A career as a signaller

[High Dyke]

Thats good news then. I am looking at grade 2 jobs. From what I understand they are the quiet boxes so I was wondering what signallers do to pass the time during their shift. I’ve heard about radios but I assume phones are a big no no.

The official line, as outlined in the National Operating Instructions is:

Unless specifically authorised the presence / use of personal audio or video equipment is strictly prohibited on the operations floor, this includes the use of mobiles telephones, laptops, tablets, E-Readers and game consoles.

Previously the use of a radio was down the discretion of the respective LOM (Local Ops manager), though the assessment standard was withdrawn many years ago. However, access to the internet is available - depending on how good/bad the connection is (or what mood IT are in). Books are always a good source of passing the time.

 

[ROCsteadycrew]

Books are always a good source of passing the time.

Indeed, many boxes have a small library worth of books to read. I do find it strange why an e-reader is not allowed when books are.

 

[Tonym79]

It is scored but they will only give either a pass or fail mark.
The Scenario Assessment is fun and the live interview was actually really good.

What sort of questions were asked on the interview?

 

[dave112]

I Would also be interested to know what questions they are I've just passed the online assessment for basingstoke signaller.

 

[WoollyMammoth]

What sort of questions were asked on the interview?

I Would also be interested to know what questions they are I've just passed the online assessment for basingstoke signaller.

Congratulations on getting this far…

Gents sorry to be this guy… Someone else might give you the answer but it’s it’s fairly important that you have a good read through this thread as it will broaden your knowledge for the interview. You will find the answers to your questions, particularly in the first couple of hundred pages. Any specific queries that you have please do feel free to ask, for example Basingstoke has been covered very recently and do bear in mind that more precise details would be expected for an internal applicant compared to an external applicant.

 

[High Dyke]

Indeed, many boxes have a small library worth of books to read. I do find it strange why an e-reader is not allowed when books are.

I know what you mean. The management's answer was that e-readers could be a distraction, but seemingly a book or newspaper isn't.

 

[KitCath78]

Hello,
Can any of you lovely people point me in the right direction for some advice on what to expect at a Grade 5 Signaller interview?

Thanks in advance

 

[DC36]

Indeed, many boxes have a small library worth of books to read. I do find it strange why an e-reader is not allowed when books are.

I get the impression it's because most e-readers can be used as normal tablets now and can be used for social media, watching movies etc. It would just be an extra thing for management to have to do, to verify if it was just a basic e-reader or a tablet.

 

[SuperS16v]

Morning all,

I applied for a G6 position in the West Midlands signalling centre. My current position is that I have passed the online tests and waiting to see if I get an interview. I am reading my way through this thread from the beginning (currently on page 100) to get some knowledge but I have a couple of questions.


1. What is the shift pattern / roster like for the West Mids centre?

2. What’s the approximate time between being notified about your interview date and the interview?

3. Is the process that the best scorers of the online assessment go to interview and the others don’t?

4. Where is the training location?

5. How long approximately would training be on the job before passing out?


Thanks!

 

[bazzarati]

Morning all,

I applied for a G6 position in the West Midlands signalling centre. My current position is that I have passed the online tests and waiting to see if I get an interview. I am reading my way through this thread from the beginning (currently on page 100) to get some knowledge but I have a couple of questions.


1. What is the shift pattern / roster like for the West Mids centre?

2. What’s the approximate time between being notified about your interview date and the interview?

3. Is the process that the best scorers of the online assessment go to interview and the others don’t?

4. Where is the training location?

5. How long approximately would training be on the job before passing out?


Thanks!

All questions you should ask at the end of the interview or the hiring manager if you have their contact details

 

[Sawasdee]

Morning all,

I applied for a G6 position in the West Midlands signalling centre. My current position is that I have passed the online tests and waiting to see if I get an interview. I am reading my way through this thread from the beginning (currently on page 100) to get some knowledge but I have a couple of questions.


1. What is the shift pattern / roster like for the West Mids centre?

2. What’s the approximate time between being notified about your interview date and the interview?

3. Is the process that the best scorers of the online assessment go to interview and the others don’t?

4. Where is the training location?

5. How long approximately would training be on the job before passing out?


Thanks!

2. Usually 2 weeks, sometimes less.
4. Could be anywhere in the UK.
5. Depends on how quickly you feel confident and tell them you’re ready to be passed out. Usually around 3 months though for a G6.

 

[jamolot1]

Hi all, thanks for the info people before me have provided. Really helpful in getting through the initial stages. I've been offered a grade 2 role at Kirkham Abbey today. If anyone has any info, I'll be grateful!

 

[PF19]

Hi all, thanks for the info people before me have provided. Really helpful in getting through the initial stages. I've been offered a grade 2 role at Kirkham Abbey today. If anyone has any info, I'll be grateful!

Congrats! I don't know anything about Kirkham Abbey so can't help you there but start learning your bell codes

 

[Jamdidi]

Hello all, been quietly checking in to this thread since I applied for the Signaller Grade 2 York (Poppleton/Hammerton/Cattal) advert.
To my amazement I’ve somehow managed to get through the process and pass the interview (22 Feb) last week. Chuffed to get conditional offer today and looking forward to a new career and meeting others also starting on this venture

 

[Open_G]

Hi all, thanks for the info people before me have provided. Really helpful in getting through the initial stages. I've been offered a grade 2 role at Kirkham Abbey today. If anyone has any info, I'll be grateful!

I spent an hour or so there in my orientation period.

It’s AB in both directions, level crossing at the box, gorgeous outlook over the river and views to the abbey ruins on the far bank.

 

[C70]

Does anybody know whether the boxes on the north Wales Coast (junction/ Bangor/ Holyhead) are 8 or 12 hour shift patterns?

 

[SH89]

Does anybody know whether the boxes on the north Wales Coast (junction/ Bangor/ Holyhead) are 8 or 12 hour shift patterns?

Those 3 boxes work 12 hour shift pattern 06:00-18:00 18:00-06:00

 

[C70]

Those 3 boxes work 12 hour shift pattern 06:00-18:00 18:00-06:00

Thank you very much.

 

[jayafc]

I’ve applied for Warrington and Chester. Is there anyone that can give me more details such as the box locations and shift patterns.Thanks guys.

 

[SignalM0n]

Good afternoon all.

Long time lurker and first time poster.

I recently read Tom Quinne's post earlier in this thread about mistakes and the horrible impact that making a mistake can have. I happened across it just after reading about the rail tragedy that's currently being reported about on the continent.

The general public (includes me) don't really give much thought to all the roles in any profession / industry that make things run as safely as they do. So, just...well.....THANK YOU!

Good luck to all of you pursuing roles in this critically important area of railway life. I really do wish you all, all the best and I sincerely hope - for all the right reasons - that your days are as 'mundane' as they can be....if you see what I mean!?

 

[Amberk]

Yes mate just had confirmed today I’m at the park inn. Presume your Newcastle area by your name?

Word of advice. Don't eat there.

Can someone remind me how long it is after gaining a new job at a higher grade it is they have to pay you at your new grade if you've not been released yet?

 

[WoollyMammoth]

Word of advice. Don't eat there.

Can someone remind me how long it is after gaining a new job at a higher grade it is they have to pay you at your new grade if you've not been released yet?

It’s 12-13 weeks (can’t remember which one!!) after the closing date of the job advert.

 

[GaryS]

Hi all,

I'm currently going through the process of applying for a grade 2 signaller position at Boston and have passed all assessments to date, I did the recorded signaller scenario test last Saturday and have a live video interview on Wednesday 8th March.

I have been researching as much as possible and think I have the safety aspects covered and have been going over common questions in my head, but was wondering if there is anything in particular I should concentrate on? Also what to wear, a shirt ok? or a tie and jacket too?

Also does anybody know the shift pattern for Boston?

Thanks in advance!

Gary

 

[Horizon22]

Hi all,

I'm currently going through the process of applying for a grade 2 signaller position at Boston and have passed all assessments to date, I did the recorded signaller scenario test last Saturday and have a live video interview on Wednesday 8th March.

I have been researching as much as possible and think I have the safety aspects covered and have been going over common questions in my head, but was wondering if there is anything in particular I should concentrate on? Also what to wear, a shirt ok? or a tie and jacket too?

Also does anybody know the shift pattern for Boston?

Thanks in advance!

Gary

It's a video interview, I'd recommend a shirt and tie. Making yourself look more professional can't hurt.

Safety is obviously key but think about other skills like dealing with emergency situations, working with others, the importance of clear communication, prioritising tasks and so on. Good luck!

 

[GaryS]

It's a video interview, I'd recommend a shirt and tie. Making yourself look more professional can't hurt.

Safety is obviously key but think about other skills like dealing with emergency situations, working with others, the importance of clear communication, prioritising tasks and so on. Good luck!

Thanks for the reply.

That sounds like a good call on the tie, only one chance to make a first impression!

I do have a 'STAR' scenario I'm wanting to share to hopefully cover those points but good to get clarity.

Thank you for wishing me luck, it's kind of nervous excitement at the moment!

 

[High Dyke]

Also does anybody know the shift pattern for Boston?

Thanks in advance!

Gary

It depends which side of Boston.the job may be. All the best for the interview

It won't be Boston West Street, that's a Grade 3 box.

Sibsey - Skegness are all Grade 2, on a two-shift 8hr roster, two in three Sundays.

Hubberts Bridge is also Grade 2, two-shift 8h 30m roster; also two in three Sundays.

 

[GaryS]

It depends which side of Boston.the job may be. All the best for the interview

It won't be Boston West Street, that's a Grade 3 box.

Sibsey - Skegness are all Grade 2, on a two-shift 8hr roster, two in three Sundays.

Hubberts Bridge is also Grade 2, two-shift 8h 30m roster; also two in three Sundays.

I'm not sure exactly, the job advert just said East Mids - Grade 2 Trainee Signaller - Melton, Oakham, Boston, Sleaford & Lincoln, I only put Boston on my application.

Thanks for that though, it gives an idea at least, by 2 shift does that mean no night shifts?

And thanks, I'm keeping everything crossed it goes well!

 

[cogload]

Just out of interest so signallers get free train travel like other rail employees

In the Wessex area (SWR) free travel is granted as a non contractual right for non BR protected staff. I think GWR offer a number of free trips per year for non BR protected staff.

For anyone looking, this is correct.
Basing ASC (BE Main panel, Dorset Coast and WoE), Salisbury, Salisbury Relief and Eastleigh are all 8 hour base rosters. (Salisbury is 12 hour Sundays, not sure about the others)

Basing ASC and Eastleigh are both 12hr Sundays (Eastleigh also has an 8-4 meal turn on a Sunday).

 

[Laura17]

Hello all, been quietly checking in to this thread since I applied for the Signaller Grade 2 York (Poppleton/Hammerton/Cattal) advert.
To my amazement I’ve somehow managed to get through the process and pass the interview (22 Feb) last week. Chuffed to get conditional offer today and looking forward to a new career and meeting others also starting on this venture

Hi! I also somehow managed to pass the interview for the same position at the same location! I'm over the moon and excited to start training. Just the medical to get through now, fingers crossed.

 

[ffesti]

It’s 12-13 weeks (can’t remember which one!!) after the closing date of the job advert.

It’s 13 weeks from the closing date, as long as the position was vacant when you were appointed (let’s be honest it almost certainly was)
If it wasn’t vacant, I believe it’s 13 weeks from the point the position becomes vacant