A career as a signaller

[High Dyke]

not uncommon, in my place there a number of grade 9s who earned 100k, but that included a fair chunk of RDW....
!

And then the taxman comes knocking.

 

[Nippy]

Exactly, I know a few who have done 100k. Me? No chance. I do the 12hr roster for the time off. I've worked about 5 RDs in the last four years. I don't even want them and only did it to ensure colleagues got time off.

 

[Tom Quinne]

I have heard from a signaller that some signallers can get close to £100,000 a year? Is this true? If so how is it possible?

We’ve got a £117,000 man !
Quite a few have broke the ton, most of the grade 7s earn £90,000+ but that is with the various windfalls we get each year, yes you get taxed on it of course but it helps bump up your AVC payments into BRASS.

ive a target to get out by the time I’m 58 in 20 years, so I’m unashamedly hitting the RDW etc to achieve that goal.
Its not a particularly physical job, mentally your concentration levels and increases depending on what is going on etc.
When I’m not at work I make the most of it by doing stuff, so when I’m at work Im not left out of family things.

So yes, £100,000 is very easy to achieve in the higher grades, but you’ve got to have a goal to aim for or you’ll just be working your life away.

 

[nom de guerre]

I was thinking about this today, it is a really good idea and I would be willing to help write something up. I had previously thought about possibly doing a signaller recruitment blog online somewhere but suspect our employer may take a dim view of that.

Great to hear! Not really sure how we actually go about adding stickies, but I’m sure we can find out.

A primer covering the recruitment process and related FAQs would be really useful to all the aspiring signallers visiting this thread (and some of the existing ones too!).

Might be useful to maintain a list of signal boxes too, showing their current life expectancy (if known) and roster.

Chuck in a pay matrix (with a brief primer explaining Sundays, RDW etc) and a guide to thread etiquette and that would hopefully deal with 80% of the most regularly-asked questions.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Sounds like a good idea.

 

[89jordanbj]

I have noticed the Malvern Wells SB (Worcester) position is no longer on the external list, it was only on there for 1 or 2 days before being removed.

Is this likely due to it being filled internally?

Would be surprised if they had reached maximum application volumes within 48 hours?

 

[Defenestrate]

After recently finishing signalling school, it's a real eye opener being in the signal box, doing it "for real".
Yes, what you learn in school is important...but I've realised now why there are the none technical skills (NTS) interview questions!

Willingness and Ability to Learn? Just because you've finished school doesn't mean you actually know the job...
Controlled under pressure? Helpful if your panel descends into a mess of flashing red with piercing alarms to boot.
Multi Task Capacity? Everybody calls just as you're doing something else. Or about to go to the toilet.
Planning and Decision Making? Regulating, line blocks, crossing timings etc.

Not going through them all but you get the gist.

Just my own thoughts, and perhaps rather obvious, but it underlines the importance of those questions and getting some solid examples in an interview/application.

 

[Tony43]

Just had the email unfortunately you didn't make the benchmark this time , back to the drawing board I guess I'll have to wait 6 months and try again

 

[Roadster 7]

After recently finishing signalling school, it's a real eye opener being in the signal box, doing it "for real".
Yes, what you learn in school is important...but I've realised now why there are the none technical skills (NTS) interview questions!

Willingness and Ability to Learn? Just because you've finished school doesn't mean you actually know the job...
Controlled under pressure? Helpful if your panel descends into a mess of flashing red with piercing alarms to boot.
Multi Task Capacity? Everybody calls just as you're doing something else. Or about to go to the toilet.
Planning and Decision Making? Regulating, line blocks, crossing timings etc.

Not going through them all but you get the gist.

Just my own thoughts, and perhaps rather obvious, but it underlines the importance of those questions and getting some solid examples in an interview/application.

Very interesting! Great to hear the thoughts of a new signaller for all us potential signallers.
I'm currently swatting up and getting a few examples for each of the NTS as I have an interview next week, my first time getting to the interview stage!

 

[Woody27]

Just had the email unfortunately you didn't make the benchmark this time , back to the drawing board I guess I'll have to wait 6 months and try again

Same here mate, just hope some more local vacancies are available in October! Best of luck to you!

 

[Tom Quinne]

After recently finishing signalling school, it's a real eye opener being in the signal box, doing it "for real".
Yes, what you learn in school is important...but I've realised now why there are the none technical skills (NTS) interview questions!

Willingness and Ability to Learn? Just because you've finished school doesn't mean you actually know the job...
Controlled under pressure? Helpful if your panel descends into a mess of flashing red with piercing alarms to boot.
Multi Task Capacity? Everybody calls just as you're doing something else. Or about to go to the toilet.
Planning and Decision Making? Regulating, line blocks, crossing timings etc.

Not going through them all but you get the gist.

Just my own thoughts, and perhaps rather obvious, but it underlines the importance of those questions and getting some solid examples in an interview/application.

LOL welcome to being a signaller LOL

 

[MostlyHarmless]

After recently finishing signalling school, it's a real eye opener being in the signal box, doing it "for real".
Yes, what you learn in school is important...but I've realised now why there are the none technical skills (NTS) interview questions!

Willingness and Ability to Learn? Just because you've finished school doesn't mean you actually know the job...
Controlled under pressure? Helpful if your panel descends into a mess of flashing red with piercing alarms to boot.
Multi Task Capacity? Everybody calls just as you're doing something else. Or about to go to the toilet.
Planning and Decision Making? Regulating, line blocks, crossing timings etc.

Not going through them all but you get the gist.

Just my own thoughts, and perhaps rather obvious, but it underlines the importance of those questions and getting some solid examples in an interview/application.

Good post for those waiting for interviews. So are you enjoying the job?

 

[Roadster 7]

Does anybody have any information about Eastfield signal box in Peterborough?
From what I've read it doesn't operate the main line but operates the sidings, if that is correct what I've read, would it be very busy?
Would it be manned 24 hours 7 days a week?
Thanks

 

[Defenestrate]

Good post for those waiting for interviews. So are you enjoying the job?

Yes, enjoying it so far, and happy to be learning how things work beyond the rule book, as well as getting to know my own panel, rather than that of Gatestown!

 

[High Dyke]

Yes, enjoying it so far, and happy to be learning how things work beyond the rule book, as well as getting to know my own panel, rather than that of Gatestown!

Well done. Yes, the 'real world' does make difference from the simulator. That can only prepare for some aspects of the job. It's the unforseen circumstances that cause you to think. This morning, for example; Control advise of a report of trespassers, but only have the vague information they are somewhere along a 15 mile section of route. The four respective signal boxes along that route are now left to ponder the best way to caution services through the affected area.

 

[High Dyke]

Does anybody have any information about Eastfield signal box in Peterborough?
From what I've read it doesn't operate the main line but operates the sidings, if that is correct what I've read, would it be very busy?
Would it be manned 24 hours 7 days a week?
Thanks

Sorry, I don't have specific knowledge about Eastfield box and how it operates, in conjunction with Peterborough PSB. However, it is 24/7. Sunday turns are two 12 hours with 8 hours Monday - Saturday.

 

[Roadster 7]

Sorry, I don't have specific knowledge about Eastfield box and how it operates, in conjunction with Peterborough PSB. However, it is 24/7. Sunday turns are two 12 hours with 8 hours Monday - Saturday.

Thank you High Dyke, I have found where it is on Google maps and it is commutable for me, I will put an application in for it.

 

[Kraken]

Well done. Yes, the 'real world' does make difference from the simulator. That can only prepare for some aspects of the job. It's the unforseen circumstances that cause you to think. This morning, for example; Control advise of a report of trespassers, but only have the vague information they are somewhere along a 15 mile section of route. The four respective signal boxes along that route are now left to ponder the best way to caution services through the affected area.

Sounds interesting, how did you deal with it, and did you find out if there were actually trespassers?

 

[Midlands_lad]

How is the current Coronavirus situation affecting signalling centres?
I ask as I have my induction week starting from Monday. I seem to recall on this forum that unless you were on shift or a manger it was pretty much a no to enter?
Many thanks

 

[Tom Quinne]

That’s correct if your not essential to the operation then your not permitted on the ops floor.

Sickness at least on my route, that I can see hasn’t been anywhere near as bad as was expected. Usual bugs and coughs, but nothing out of the usual.

If anything it’s been better than usual, with shifts being manned as booked with only booked leave etc requiring relief cover

 

[Midlands_lad]

That’s correct if your not essential to the operation then your not permitted on the ops floor.

Sickness at least on my route, that I can see hasn’t been anywhere near as bad as was expected. Usual bugs and coughs, but nothing out of the usual.

If anything it’s been better than usual, with shifts being manned as booked with only booked leave etc requiring relief cover

Thanks Tom for your quick reply, it may be a strange first week then?

 

[Tom Quinne]

Thanks Tom for your quick reply, it may be a strange first week then?

Yes, you maybe given stuff to do at home - if your a trainee signaller I’m not sure what they could give you however!

Usually your time before going to school is filled with neighbouring box and control visits, a day with the MOM etc

 

[amanda08]

Thanks Tom for your quick reply, it may be a strange first week then?

I have my induction starting 20th and have been told I will be visiting various boxes on what will be my relief patch. Curious how this will be managed now.

 

[Tom Quinne]

I have my induction starting 20th and have been told I will be visiting various boxes on what will be my relief patch. Curious how this will be managed now.

To be quite honest with you, 99% of signallers won’t blink an eye lid.

The nation has all but given up on social distancing, the firm officially promote and facilitate it - but personally I think it’s all overstated and the risk is pretty low as long your sensible and use some common sense.

 

[High Dyke]

Sounds interesting, how did you deal with it, and did you find out if there were actually trespassers?

Updated information came from the police that pinpointed the trespassers to the Sleaford area. So services were cautioned for the last section, only a couple of miles, in the end.

 

[High Dyke]

I have my induction starting 20th and have been told I will be visiting various boxes on what will be my relief patch. Curious how this will be managed now.

Have a word with your LOM. Each location should've been risk assessed. There may be the odd location where a box visit may not be suitable at the moment.

 

[LOM]

In my area we are about to resume NOP 2.06 visits to boxes from next week. Access to the operating floors is still restricted to essential visitors only but we have carried out risk assessments to allow the observational staff visits to go ahead safely (basically wash your hands on entering and keep your distance). Many of my staff have told me that they actually miss being visited and find the reduced timetable makes the shifts drag like never before.

 

[Cjbennett10]

Very interesting! Great to hear the thoughts of a new signaller for all us potential signallers.
I'm currently swatting up and getting a few examples for each of the NTS as I have an interview next week, my first time getting to the interview stage!

Congrats on the interview Roadster 7! Where is it for if you don’t mind me asking, I’m under the assumption we’re both from the same region having read the thread so fingers crossed for us and good luck again for the interview !

 

[Habitat]

After recently finishing signalling school, it's a real eye opener being in the signal box, doing it "for real".
Yes, what you learn in school is important...but I've realised now why there are the none technical skills (NTS) interview questions!

Willingness and Ability to Learn? Just because you've finished school doesn't mean you actually know the job...
Controlled under pressure? Helpful if your panel descends into a mess of flashing red with piercing alarms to boot.
Multi Task Capacity? Everybody calls just as you're doing something else. Or about to go to the toilet.
Planning and Decision Making? Regulating, line blocks, crossing timings etc.

Not going through them all but you get the gist.

Just my own thoughts, and perhaps rather obvious, but it underlines the importance of those questions and getting some solid examples in an interview/application.

Couldn't agree more!
First day flying solo is sooo nerve racking, but within a few days all that IST serves you well, the confidence multiplies, the smile grows and reality dawns!
You've made the grade!
Now stay calm, take 5 when you need to and don't star in a red video!

 

[Roadster 7]

Congrats on the interview Roadster 7! Where is it for if you don’t mind me asking, I’m under the assumption we’re both from the same region having read the thread so fingers crossed for us and good luck again for the interview !

Hi, thank you!
The interview is for one of the Oakham relief signaller jobs, it is very local to me as I live in Oakham. So peterborough is also an option I will apply for if I am unsuccessful.
Do you live around this area as well?
Good luck for your applications