A career as a signaller

[Tigerned371]

Obviously for pensions advice you should speak to a pensions advisor.... however I had the same choice to make and given that the NR contributions are 9% in CARE as opposed to 3% in the NRDC, then it wasn't a difficult choice to make - for me at least.

That’s my initial thought too. I’ll be moving onto RPS in 5 years anyway.

 

[Jaysub]

3 vacancies at the TVSCC are on the internal list as is Westbury. So waiting for that to exhaust itself first I would imagine. Westbury used to be the proverbial dead men's shoes.

Awww i see...more patiently waiting it is then lol

 

[Kraken]

Just got the call to say i've been successful in my signaller application. Over the moon. Thanks to everyone for the input and tips.

Yes! Nice one GMac, really chuffed for you.

 

[Tom Quinne]

That’s my initial thought too. I’ll be moving onto RPS in 5 years anyway.

The NWR section of the RPS is £300m in surplus at the moment which is incredibly good compared to most of the TOC sections being in significant shortfall.
Counting down my 21 years to go every day!

 

[Tom Quinne]

I might apply for some train driver jobs, in case I don’t get a signallers job.....

LOL that’s okay, if you can’t be the best then going driving is an acceptable second best

 

[Kraken]

Reposted for effect:



And this (after 5 seconds of googling) is quite useful:

Planit : Job Profiles : Signaller Rail Transport

www.planitplus.net

Your post is great there coglaod, thanks.

Possibly a bit of a controversial question, I assure you I don't mean to be inflammatory in any way but here goes:

I'm pretty committed to joining RMT when I get into the grade. I understand that the salary is secured by union work and I would appreciate the peace of mind that comes from them having your back in any disputes. However, having had a look at their website there are quite a few political campaigns on there which aren't really my cup of tea. I would consider opting out of the political fund for this reason. My question is, is this a good idea? I know that I cannot be penalised for this but will it cause more trouble for me unofficially in the long run and would I be better just sucking it up? Or should I join TSSA if it bothers me?

I understand this can be a sensitive topic and I don't want to cause bad feeling so apologies if it does so.

 

[ILoveLamp]

Garsdale SB. A lovely little single manned, grade 2 listed box in the middle of nowhere. And it’s right opposite my home

Ahhhh...very nice indeed! I saw the ad but was just a tad too far to commute for me, but I was tempted! Sounds like you have landed on your feet in many ways there, well done you! Ill have to admit a bit of jealousy on that one!

 

[GMac1502]

Yes! Nice one GMac, really chuffed for you.

Thanks Kraken, just waiting game now for a training school date, hopefully be Glasgow as not that far away.

 

[High Dyke]

Your post is great there coglaod, thanks.

Possibly a bit of a controversial question, I assure you I don't mean to be inflammatory in any way but here goes:

I'm pretty committed to joining RMT when I get into the grade. I understand that the salary is secured by union work and I would appreciate the peace of mind that comes from them having your back in any disputes. However, having had a look at their website there are quite a few political campaigns on there which aren't really my cup of tea. I would consider opting out of the political fund for this reason. My question is, is this a good idea? I know that I cannot be penalised for this but will it cause more trouble for me unofficially in the long run and would I be better just sucking it up? Or should I join TSSA if it bothers me?

I understand this can be a sensitive topic and I don't want to cause bad feeling so apologies if it does so.

I'll PM you about this; so as not to take the thread off-topic. Suffice to say, it's the choice of the individual whether to join a trade union or not. The days of a closed shop are long gone. Just note that different trade unions, within the industry, have different bargaining rights for the various roles/functions.

 

[High Dyke]

Thanks for the info, it gives me a decent idea of what to expect

I'll have a check tomorrow. The nights can be a bit busy. At least every six weeks there are engineering possessions on that route. With the diversions via Nottingham / Grantham it gives me a chance of nights - such as next week.

 

[Rick1875]

Hey folks

I was wondering if anyone had any info on the Crossing Keeper position for Roddige such as shift times?

Obviously the goal is signalling and I understand when going for these types of positions (crossing keeper) that if lucky/fortunate enough to be accepted into that role, one wouldn’t be able to just carry on applying for signalling positions, I’d need to show loyalty to the position for a certain time (normally a year?) before attempting the jump into signalling, and all that is absolutely fine if I’m honest, I’ve heard plenty of times on here that Crossing Keeper jobs are great ways to get the foot in the door etc.

This particular position is a 1 hour and 20 min drive from home so I’ve got to factor in fuel costs with salary and I think it’s worth it, as far as I’m aware from the info on here crossing keepers can still earn over £30k with overtime etc

has anyone else on here applied for it?

Yep not heard anything yet just says I’ve reached the benchmark. Have you heard anything

 

[Rick1875]

Hey folks

I was wondering if anyone had any info on the Crossing Keeper position for Roddige such as shift times?

Obviously the goal is signalling and I understand when going for these types of positions (crossing keeper) that if lucky/fortunate enough to be accepted into that role, one wouldn’t be able to just carry on applying for signalling positions, I’d need to show loyalty to the position for a certain time (normally a year?) before attempting the jump into signalling, and all that is absolutely fine if I’m honest, I’ve heard plenty of times on here that Crossing Keeper jobs are great ways to get the foot in the door etc.

This particular position is a 1 hour and 20 min drive from home so I’ve got to factor in fuel costs with salary and I think it’s worth it, as far as I’m aware from the info on here crossing keepers can still earn over £30k with overtime etc

has anyone else on here applied for it?

Yes not heard anything

 

[WL113]

Garsdale SB. A lovely little single manned, grade 2 listed box in the middle of nowhere. And it’s right opposite my home

You've struck gold there. One of the nicest boxes in the country on a spectacular piece of railway. Being local is a rare bonus these days, with each resignalling scheme the jobs tend to move further away. There are people doing some pretty heavy commutes or even renting rooms closer to where they are working. Staying in camper vans in ROC car parks isn't unknown.

Good luck with the job!

 

[Rick1875]

Hi anyone applied for the signaller roles in Birmingham? I’ve applied and passed the benchmark on the test. But it’s gone very quiet. Does that usually mean I’ve missed out this time

 

[Tom Quinne]

Your post is great there coglaod, thanks.

Possibly a bit of a controversial question, I assure you I don't mean to be inflammatory in any way but here goes:

I'm pretty committed to joining RMT when I get into the grade. I understand that the salary is secured by union work and I would appreciate the peace of mind that comes from them having your back in any disputes. However, having had a look at their website there are quite a few political campaigns on there which aren't really my cup of tea. I would consider opting out of the political fund for this reason. My question is, is this a good idea? I know that I cannot be penalised for this but will it cause more trouble for me unofficially in the long run and would I be better just sucking it up? Or should I join TSSA if it bothers me?

I understand this can be a sensitive topic and I don't want to cause bad feeling so apologies if it does so.

16 year member of the RMT here, firstly do not join TSSA they can not support you as a signaller.

The RMT are overall locally a good union, and you should definitely join for peace of mind if nothing else. Worse case a legal team can be extremely expensive if it goes wrong.

You’ll get loads of political rubbish in the mag each month, and emails both go straight in the bin - I share very few of their political aims nor do I have any interest in them. You can opt out of your subs going to the political fund, but personally I think they go in there anyway.

Definitely join on day one, unfortunately so I hear signaller membership isn’t as high as you’d of thought, traincrew membership of either RMT or ASLEF is 95%+.

Two things to do on day one of your employment as a signaller...join the pension scheme and union.

Best of luck !

 

[Tom Quinne]

Hi anyone applied for the signaller roles in Birmingham? I’ve applied and passed the benchmark on the test. But it’s gone very quiet. Does that usually mean I’ve missed out this time

Please refer to the previous answers...

Railway recruitment takes as long to complete as a asthmatic ant carrying heavy shopping upto the 32nd floor of a tower block on a hot day!

 

[Kraken]

16 year member of the RMT here, firstly do not join TSSA they can not support you as a signaller.

The RMT are overall locally a good union, and you should definitely join for peace of mind if nothing else. Worse case a legal team can be extremely expensive if it goes wrong.

You’ll get loads of political rubbish in the mag each month, and emails both go straight in the bin - I share very few of their political aims nor do I have any interest in them. You can opt out of your subs going to the political fund, but personally I think they go in there anyway.

Definitely join on day one, unfortunately so I hear signaller membership isn’t as high as you’d of thought, traincrew membership of either RMT or ASLEF is 95%+.

Two things to do on day one of your employment as a signaller...join the pension scheme and union.

Best of luck !

Thanks for that pragmatic advice Tom, which I shall heed. Ultimately the RMT
does have a public reputation for looking after its members’ interests so I shall be guided by that.

 

[MidlandsChap]

I have been keeping an eye on signaller positions for a while and it seems that most of the vacancies tend to be for 2,3 and 7 grade boxes. Is there any reason why grade 4,5 and 6 boxes not appear online very often? Or are there simply fewer of these boxes around?

 

[Rick1875]

Please refer to the previous answers...

Railway recruitment takes as long to complete as a asthmatic ant carrying heavy shopping upto the 32nd floor of a tower block on a hot day!

Oh ok

 

[High Dyke]

I’ve been looking at real-time trains site, to get an idea of how busy my boxes are. How much are services still reduced due to Covid? I’d assume by the time my York training is done, things will be back to normal so I’m curious how much more frequent the trains run then is currently shown?
Thanks

Morning. There's paths for about 40 trains on the night shift. An 8-hour early turn shows 57 paths, with about 60 paths on a late shift. However, not all trains run, and some are a duplicate schedule showing the train may run to/from a different destination.

 

[amanda08]

Morning. There's paths for about 40 trains on the night shift. An 8-hour early turn shows 57 paths, with about 60 paths on a late shift. However, not all trains run, and some are a duplicate schedule showing the train may run to/from a different destination.

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to check that

 

[High Dyke]

Thank you! I appreciate you taking the time to check that

You're welcome.

 

[SignallerJohn]

Your post is great there coglaod, thanks.

Possibly a bit of a controversial question, I assure you I don't mean to be inflammatory in any way but here goes:

I'm pretty committed to joining RMT when I get into the grade. I understand that the salary is secured by union work and I would appreciate the peace of mind that comes from them having your back in any disputes. However, having had a look at their website there are quite a few political campaigns on there which aren't really my cup of tea. I would consider opting out of the political fund for this reason. My question is, is this a good idea? I know that I cannot be penalised for this but will it cause more trouble for me unofficially in the long run and would I be better just sucking it up? Or should I join TSSA if it bothers me?

I understand this can be a sensitive topic and I don't want to cause bad feeling so apologies if it does so.

Plenty of people reap the benefits of the Union. I know plenty of people who would also take RDW if a strike came to fruition. The same people who moan about the Union don’t mind that they have secured fantastic benefits, even more so during Covid-19 (current signallers will know all about this).

The job is well paid and garnished now but it wasn’t 30 years ago. I personally say don’t join the RMT unless you’re willing to one day have to give up a week or so wage for a strike should it happen.

 

[Rigchick]

You've struck gold there. One of the nicest boxes in the country on a spectacular piece of railway. Being local is a rare bonus these days, with each resignalling scheme the jobs tend to move further away. There are people doing some pretty heavy commutes or even renting rooms closer to where they are working. Staying in camper vans in ROC car parks isn't unknown.

Good luck with the job!

I am feeling so lucky right now. I've been trying for this box for over a year and missed out up until now. Fortunately spoke with the LOM and Area Manager and they both confirmed that the move to electronic is a long way off for the S&C Line so should have quite a few years pulling the levers And to be able to bimble to work is a massive bonus, no more long commutes or fuel bills. So very happy!

 

[Sunset route]

I have been keeping an eye on signaller positions for a while and it seems that most of the vacancies tend to be for 2,3 and 7 grade boxes. Is there any reason why grade 4,5 and 6 boxes not appear online very often? Or are there simply fewer of these boxes around?

I can’t speak for everywhere in signalling land, but having gained promotion many many years back (it was still called Railtrack back then) from a single manned grade 5 signalbox to a multi person grade 9 signalling centre. The middle grade signalboxes are definitely prized positions, high enough that the workload and pay is good enough to keep most people happy and low enough that you keep out the multi signallers mad houses that comes with working in signalling centres.

 

[MostlyHarmless]

I am feeling so lucky right now. I've been trying for this box for over a year and missed out up until now. Fortunately spoke with the LOM and Area Manager and they both confirmed that the move to electronic is a long way off for the S&C Line so should have quite a few years pulling the levers And to be able to bimble to work is a massive bonus, no more long commutes or fuel bills. So very happy!

Coincidentally I was watching an old Great British Railway Journeys on Yesterday last night and it was from Carlisle to Garsdale. At the very end you get a brief glimpse of the signal box!

 

[BigRob21]

Hi anyone applied for the signaller roles in Birmingham? I’ve applied and passed the benchmark on the test. But it’s gone very quiet. Does that usually mean I’ve missed out this time

Hay Ricki1875, I applied for one of the positions at the WMSC. Got an interview scheduled for two weeks time... although not sure if this will go ahead as its a F2F interview which according to the NR website, aren't happening at the minute.

 

[tmac]

I have Just finished reading all 352 pages, starting off completely unaware of the complexities of the role to now being relatively confident going into my interview Thursday at Inverness Signalling Centre (Face to Face interestingly enough)for G4 relief. I consider myself very lucky to be offered an interview on my first application given the current climate.

This behemoth of a thread which probably deserves its own dedicate forum with different section has been extremely valuable. and has answered questions i didn't know i had. Thanks everyone.

 

[LOM]

Hay Ricki1875, I applied for one of the positions at the WMSC. Got an interview scheduled for two weeks time... although not sure if this will go ahead as its a F2F interview which according to the NR website, aren't happening at the minute.

Face to face interviews can still be scheduled by local arrangement but Recruitment are not doing it centrally yet and still want everything done over Teams or Skype.

 

[Rick1875]

Hay Ricki1875, I applied for one of the positions at the WMSC. Got an interview scheduled for two weeks time... although not sure if this will go ahead as its a F2F interview which according to the NR website, aren't happening at the minute.

Hope you do well fella.