CheeseNoMayo
Member
Hi mate, I thought that would be the case with the start date being a while away yet
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A career as a signaller
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RailUK Forums
I popped them all in flash cards and it worked really well for me. My 8 year old daughter even managed to memorise them with me. She would just shout over class 1 daddy and I would say 4 and so on usually when I was washing up or something.
Jaytee1977
Member
This is a stupid question as everyone has a different reason but the inevitable question of "why do you want to be a signaller" can anyone offer and tips to a good answer.
My reasons are job security, great career progression I no longer have to work away from home and I get to work for one of the biggest companies in the country.
Are they after a more role specific answer as in what I like about the role of signaller?? Cheers
My reasons are job security, great career progression I no longer have to work away from home and I get to work for one of the biggest companies in the country.
Are they after a more role specific answer as in what I like about the role of signaller?? Cheers
JWilliams
Member
I told them if I didnt make it as a signaller I would have to settle for being a driver.. I start next month, so must have worked!
bhabloke
Member
Its a tricky one and will catch you out, if you have not prepared your answer. I stated that as a police officer for the last 25 years, I was looking for a new challenge and a second career. I have a number of valuable transferable skills (list them and link them to the 8 non technical skills) which I know would bring value to Network rail. I would also say that your personal values line up with Network rail's and make a good fit. I also see signalling as an excellent opportunity to career progression and a role that I can see myself spending many years in. You can also mention that Network Rail have an excellent reputation as a employer and noted that it had recently won awards for being a leader in LGBT employment.
Don't mention the salary as that should not be your motivation for the role. It should the skills you have and what you can offer to Network rail.
I was interviewed last month and was lucky to have been successful. Good luck!
Signal_Box
Member
Love it lol
vinoboxer
Member
To resident signallers that work in single manned boxes...
What's life like on shift? How do you keep yourself active and manage food/tea/toilet breaks etc?
What's life like on shift? How do you keep yourself active and manage food/tea/toilet breaks etc?
Flash Cards was the best way for me. Plus a few mnemonics eg
5-3. = Wrong one (5 letters and 3 letters) for “train incorrectly described”
3-5 = Not Going (3 letters and 5 letters) for “cancelling”
Mnemonics are best if you work out your own though.
I also downloaded a morse code key app to practice hearing various bells.
HamSandwich
Member
I love life on shift, especially day shift - busy and the day goes quickly!
Active? I make sure I answer bells promptly, the timetable where I am is about 4 trains an hour so plenty of getting up and down and out of my seat, if there are any long empty bits I can always do some squats or lift some weights inbetween. Opening the windows allows some fresh air in to wake you up a bit if needed, especially when it's snowing! Food/tea/toilet breaks are all managed around trains, timetable depending. My toilet is outside so I have to look ahead and work out when I can nip down (as I can't hear any bells from there). It's all manageable once you get used to it.
Jaytee1977
Member
Unfortunately I failed my driver assessment day
Tripl
Member
I've been given a start date of 9th October for Manchester area, been told unofficially my school will be in Salford.
PF19
Member
Good luck!
I'm just about to start Salford school next week!
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I've got it, running in Android..
Not sure about iOS not used one in a while but was there last time I looked
Goggins
Member
Right.. So this sounds like we could be on the same course then. Salford we be the closest school for me as well. Dont suppose you have a date for signalling school? Have you completed a medical yet?
PF19
Member
IST usually starts 2 weeks after you join the company, if you've both been given 9th Oct then expect it to start 23rd Oct ~Approx~
Goggins
Member
Superb.. Thank you
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Good Luck next week mate.. Let us know how you find itGood luck!
I'm just about to start Salford school next week!
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I've got it, running in Android..
Not sure about iOS not used one in a while but was there last time I looked
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PF19
Member
No problem!
And yeah I'll update here every now and then with news
Bump. Anyone based in east Scotland able to shed any light please?
I believe from the recent job advertisements that Carnoustie is a grade 3. Also from my basic knowledge of rail industry any work on a Sunday is OT so imagine there is scope for that.
How are you getting on with application process?
The advert was grade 2 and 3 for a number of boxes so I wasn't sure which Carnoustie was and I'm aware there are some boxes on the line that don't operate on Sundays too.
I've applied and passed the online tests. Just waiting to see if I have an interview or not now! Fingers crossed.
If I remember righty from the advert Cupar, Inverkeillor and Carnoustie were the grade three boxes.
I have an interview on 9th August after finding the email in my spam filter yesterday.
RailRookie326
Member
I just checked my spam folder and I have an interview! Thanks for that, I'd have missed it likely had I not checked!
What boxes are you and RailRookie326 going for?
Cupar and Carnoustie was what I think I put down.
RailRookie326
Member
Nice going! Unfortunately no email for myself yet, not sure if they typically stagger these things however I don't see why they would.
I put myself down for all of them except Dunkeld.
Jam67
Member
Hello folks - anyone on here starting IST in Derby on the 7th of August?
I was successful in my application and talked about being excited about the challenge of the role and knowing your making a difference in a safety critical position in helping people "get home safe" as that's what's all over the safety brief of the job.
What to do, what to do? Been offered grade 2 at Cambridge, apparently 12 shift pattern. I'm currently in civil service and after years of waiting and been given a normal pay rise putting me on just over 45k. Grade 2 is 32k plus add ons, is it going to be too much to ask to get anywhere near the money I'm on now with the addition of nights and Sundays etc?
SH89
Member
If you’re rostered 2 Sundays a month plus night allowance you’ll probably put 10k on that basic, 1 RDW a month I’ll probably mean you’ll eclipse your current package!