A career as a signaller

[AA Steve]

TOCs striking, a massive industrial action scheme by RMT for NR that ended with NR employees being screwed over, short staffed especially signalling, and they are looking to shed more roles at ground level in maintenance, very little S&T cover working with degraded situations for days in signal boxes and Maintenance is practically mothballed, staff morale especially the ones with lengthy service is below rock bottom, some managers use pseudo bullying as a way of man management.

When you constantly have vacancies in some areas and specific roles that’s a story in itself, when you have SM's and ASM's leaving to take early retirement because of IME, TME management tactics and budget cutting especially where safety is concerned and finding another job post railway when they could easily have 10 years service left, boat loads of blue hats being thrust into roles with no life or people experience straight off a diet of cheap cider and pot noodles.

But then they blame the staff on the ground because they don't want to work over time because of short staffing, training is watered down now far too much emphasis put on online delivery, bending the rules to suit specific ideas and a serious lack of knowledge in the planning departments by staff who have no idea what it's like to be on track and have no local knowledge of what they are planning.

The list really is endless and it's all in a pursuit to cut budgets and make you do more for less, maybe I sound sour bitter and twisted, but no it's real at first I thought it was just my route but sadly is seems to be wide spread ever more so after devolution of the areas, they created thousands of managerial posts after devolution but are looking to cull the ground crew.

A massive void exists between middle and senior management that the truth doesn't bridge, "Everything is ok here nothing to see" is the common attitude!

Wow, I really thought I was making a good move by having a career change from 28 years in the automotive industry. I guess I have some serious thinking to do in the next couple of weeks before my medical. I must admit these are the first negative comments I've heard from anyone to date. Are there any pros or just cons in joining as a G7 signaller? Anyone's opinion welcome

 

[Napier]

Wow, I really thought I was making a good move by having a career change from 28 years in the automotive industry. I guess I have some serious thinking to do in the next couple of weeks before my medical. I must admit these are the first negative comments I've heard from anyone to date. Are there any pros or just cons in joining as a G7 signaller? Anyone's opinion welcome

My comments will probably be played down by many but after almost 25 years in the rail industry after making the change from engineering shops i've seen the decline of morale due to poor or non man management skills and the increase of incompetence rising to the surface in management and planning.

 

[AA Steve]

My comments will probably be played down by many but after almost 25 years in the rail industry after making the change from engineering shops i've seen the decline of morale due to poor or non man management skills and the increase of incompetence rising to the surface in management and planning.

Appreciated, its always good to hear open and honest opinions/comments.

 

[SH89]

Wow, I really thought I was making a good move by having a career change from 28 years in the automotive industry. I guess I have some serious thinking to do in the next couple of weeks before my medical. I must admit these are the first negative comments I've heard from anyone to date. Are there any pros or just cons in joining as a G7 signaller? Anyone's opinion welcome

To offer an alternative opinion, I absolutely love my job, having done both a track role and now as a signaller, I go in, do my job, and go home, the pay is excellent and I get lots of time off with the family!

 

[Napier]

To offer an alternative opinion, I absolutely love my job, having done both a track role and now as a signaller, I go in, do my job, and go home, the pay is excellent and I get lots of time off with the family!

With rosters like this it's sadly not the same story!

Can I ask have you gone 60hr compiant yet ?

 

[SH89]

With rosters like this it's sadly not the same story!

Can I ask have you gone 60hr compiant yet ?

We haven’t yet, it’s due, but still on the 12hr roster where we are, so not as bad as the roster you’ve posted

 

[Coppernob2014]

I would just like to echo SH89’s comments.

I love my role as a signaller. We get paid a lot of money for what we do, definitely compared to other jobs. Some people can get bitter and twisted and say they will get a job elsewhere “stacking shelves in Tesco” is the usual expression. To them I say, go and do it. From personal experience I know that you’ll work 10 times harder for a LOT less pay.

Yes there are bad parts of the job, there always are in every position, but honestly the job is cushty as f. My manager is the best one I’ve had in every role I’ve ever worked, I get loads of days off, get paid a lot of money, and spend the majority of my shift reading a book or admiring nature etc.

I think some people who have been in for a long time need to actually appreciate the role they have and that it’s not all roses outside of the railway.

 

[Napier]

We haven’t yet, it’s due, but still on the 12hr roster where we are, so not as bad as the roster you’ve posted

Thats the Settle Carlisle roster after they knocked the nighshifts off, are you 24/7 ?

I would just like to echo SH89’s comments.

I love my role as a signaller. We get paid a lot of money for what we do, definitely compared to other jobs. Some people can get bitter and twisted and say they will get a job elsewhere “stacking shelves in Tesco” is the usual expression. To them I say, go and do it. From personal experience I know that you’ll work 10 times harder for a LOT less pay.

Yes there are bad parts of the job, there always are in every position, but honestly the job is cushty as f. My manager is the best one I’ve had in every role I’ve ever worked, I get loads of days off, get paid a lot of money, and spend the majority of my shift reading a book or admiring nature etc.

I think some people who have been in for a long time need to actually appreciate the role they have and that it’s not all roses outside of the railway.

Well opinions do change in time believe me, especially when the management team above you are are crap! The rostering is crap because we are under staffed, we have boxes that are never full with residents because of the situation people move on, I am in it for the long haul don't really have a choice due to age, pension etc etc.

I would just like to echo SH89’s comments.

I love my role as a signaller. We get paid a lot of money for what we do, definitely compared to other jobs. Some people can get bitter and twisted and say they will get a job elsewhere “stacking shelves in Tesco” is the usual expression. To them I say, go and do it. From personal experience I know that you’ll work 10 times harder for a LOT less pay.

Yes there are bad parts of the job, there always are in every position, but honestly the job is cushty as f. My manager is the best one I’ve had in every role I’ve ever worked, I get loads of days off, get paid a lot of money, and spend the majority of my shift reading a book or admiring nature etc.

I think some people who have been in for a long time need to actually appreciate the role they have and that it’s not all roses outside of the railway.

Get to know your local LCM they'll tell how crap it is.

 

[Signallwr]

Looks like there’ll be a UKRF link at Cardiff soon!

Welcome to the ROC people….

what is a ukrf?

 

[Csb362]

Appreciated, its always good to hear open and honest opinions/comments.

Im another one who loves their job, 12 hr roster definitely does make a big difference both in pay for any Sundays or Rest days worked and also for time away from the job, any job after time becomes a lot less enjoyable but there are plenty opportunities for job movement on the railway that if you are so inclined you in theory should never get too bored

 

[verve76]

Does anyone know much about the crossing keeper role at Sandhills IECC Liverpool? Realistically how much would enhancements add to the salary? Thanks for any information.

 

[Blunderbus]

Does anyone know much about the crossing keeper role at Sandhills IECC Liverpool? Realistically how much would enhancements add to the salary? Thanks for any information.

Every roster is different - But 20% is good guide

*For 12 he roster that is

 

[Goggins]

T

I wouldn't try to learn anything to indepth, but certainly learning bell codes and railway terminology, difference between AB and TCB and the definitions could ease the pain of the first few days of IST, I know the delivery is very different to what it was when I attended. TS1 might help if you don't already have it. A few of the bell codes and class of trains below but don't rush it, I used flash cards to learn them and when at IST spend time wisely on the sim, a little bit of research can help you a long way but to much can simply chock your grey matter up, it does eventually all click together some get it quicker than others.
View attachment 140242

Thank you for this information.. I've got my medical in two weeks, and start date of 9th of October. I got the bell codes app, so going to crack on here and there learning them slowly. It is daunting the amount we've got to learn but like you said, it comes together eventually

 

[Signal_Box]

what is a ukrf?

U.K. Rail Forum ???

 

[GMTUK]

Interview Number 3 in a weeks time, 3rd time lucky hopefully.

 

[CheeseNoMayo]

Interview Number 3 in a weeks time, 3rd time lucky hopefully.

Fingers crossed for you!

 

[Primo]

Interview Number 3 in a weeks time, 3rd time lucky hopefully.

Good Luck! Where is it for?

Apologies if this has already been asked or the information has already been posted.
Approximately 5 weeks ago I got offered and accepted a Grade 2 position for Yorkshire (Northorpe, York ,Weaverthorpe, Harrogate, Selby, Wakefield & Knottingley Areas). My contract/HR informed me that they do not know the exact box where I will be based, however it will be the 'Scunthorpe area'.
Is anyone able to shed some light on potential Grade 2 active locations where I could be based, and if known potential rosters eg. 12s etc

Thanks in advance!

 

[Napier]

Good Luck! Where is it for?

Apologies if this has already been asked or the information has already been posted.
Approximately 5 weeks ago I got offered and accepted a Grade 2 position for Yorkshire (Northorpe, York ,Weaverthorpe, Harrogate, Selby, Wakefield & Knottingley Areas). My contract/HR informed me that they do not know the exact box where I will be based, however it will be the 'Scunthorpe area'.
Is anyone able to shed some light on potential Grade 2 active locations where I could be based, and if known potential rosters eg. 12s etc

Thanks in advance!

Have you been taken on with a 12 month contingent contract ?

 

[LJC2023]

Good Luck! Where is it for?

Apologies if this has already been asked or the information has already been posted.
Approximately 5 weeks ago I got offered and accepted a Grade 2 position for Yorkshire (Northorpe, York ,Weaverthorpe, Harrogate, Selby, Wakefield & Knottingley Areas). My contract/HR informed me that they do not know the exact box where I will be based, however it will be the 'Scunthorpe area'.
Is anyone able to shed some light on potential Grade 2 active locations where I could be based, and if known potential rosters eg. 12s etc

Thanks in advance!

Same offer as me mate. So any further info anyone can give would be great! My offer was based on a permanent contract.

 

[Napier]

Hello I’m new here but hoping you fellow signallers can help me out a little management in our area are trying to implement a 60hr compliant roster, they had a go last year but from what I recall before anything was agreed the idea was kicked into the long grass, over the last few months it seems to of raised its head again the rosters that have been submitted don't really work for me like the current one we are working does, I’m just curious if any other areas around the country have managed to implement a decent 60hr compliant roster, I am curious to know if it’s just a local initiative or if its back to being driven countrywide for fatigue management.

Any help or info from other areas would be willing to share would be fantastic I am LNE and I welcome info from any area and SB whether a lone manned location or a signalling centre.

 

[RyW1]

Interview Number 3 in a weeks time, 3rd time lucky hopefully.

You and me both, good luck! I have been put on a reserve list twice with positive feedback although I could improve a couple of answers. Currently figuring out how I should structure everything and give solid examples crossing t's and dotting all the i's. Just got to make sure it ALL comes out on the day and I come off the call with nothing left I could have given (and a little bit of luck ).
All the best.

 

[Goggins]

Good Luck! Where is it for?

Apologies if this has already been asked or the information has already been posted.
Approximately 5 weeks ago I got offered and accepted a Grade 2 position for Yorkshire (Northorpe, York ,Weaverthorpe, Harrogate, Selby, Wakefield & Knottingley Areas). My contract/HR informed me that they do not know the exact box where I will be based, however it will be the 'Scunthorpe area'.
Is anyone able to shed some light on potential Grade 2 active locations where I could be based, and if known potential rosters eg. 12s etc

Thanks in advance!

Only thing i can say is I'm in the North Wales area and also accepted 5 weeks ago.. They said the same to me, i think with the onboarding and Signalling School a lot can change in that time, so dont confirm boxes until later on, possibly after IST

Its not ideal i agree.. But it looks like a common theme, with so much movement going on (In my area anyway)

 

[Primo]

Have you been taken on with a 12 month contingent contract ?

Not as far as I am aware. My contract type is permanent but obviously contingent on passing all my checks, IST and operating to the required standard in my first year.

Same offer as me mate. So any further info anyone can give would be great! My offer was based on a permanent contract.

I have got your message and will reply as soon as I am able - don't think I have posted enough yet to be able to send private messages!

Only thing i can say is I'm in the North Wales area and also accepted 5 weeks ago.. They said the same to me, i think with the onboarding and Signalling School a lot can change in that time, so dont confirm boxes until later on, possibly after IST

Its not ideal i agree.. But it looks like a common theme, with so much movement going on (In my area anyway)

Thanks for the info, and like you said a lot can happen with checks and IST so guess they wait until everything has been finalised and they know what they have to work with.

If anyone knows any of the possible active Grade 2 boxes in the Scunthorpe area that they could list it could help us narrow it down.

Thanks!

 

[Skizzyy]

Hi all,

Just a quick query regarding the medical. I've been given an appointment for next week but been informed the closest location is in London whereas I'm based in Yorkshire.

Obviously due to the short notice, this is going to result in a rather expensive train journey.

Does Network Rail have a policy of expensing travel costs to the medical or I am going to need pay out of pocket for this?

Many thanks all!

 

[GMTUK]

Good Luck! Where is it for?

Apologies if this has already been asked or the information has already been posted.
Approximately 5 weeks ago I got offered and accepted a Grade 2 position for Yorkshire (Northorpe, York ,Weaverthorpe, Harrogate, Selby, Wakefield & Knottingley Areas). My contract/HR informed me that they do not know the exact box where I will be based, however it will be the 'Scunthorpe area'.
Is anyone able to shed some light on potential Grade 2 active locations where I could be based, and if known potential rosters eg. 12s etc

Thanks in advance!

York ROC G 3 and 7

 

[Shunkadunk]

If I was successful in getting job as a signaller in Scotland, Tayside area, where is the signalling training likely to be? Is there any in Scotland or would it be down in England? Just wondering. I have interview on Thursday.

 

[Leedslad0113]

Hi all,

Just a quick query regarding the medical. I've been given an appointment for next week but been informed the closest location is in London whereas I'm based in Yorkshire.

Obviously due to the short notice, this is going to result in a rather expensive train journey.

Does Network Rail have a policy of expensing travel costs to the medical or I am going to need pay out of pocket for this?

Many thanks all!

Holy smokes! I’m awaiting my medical and I’m in Yorkshire too. Hoping mines not in London too! Seems a bit of an ask to ask you to pay out of pocket to travel to London when you don’t even have an official contract yet.

 

[Riddler]

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone else has applied for the Grade 3/7 jobs at York ROC. I have passed the online tests but nothing since last Friday.

 

[Lpf93]

Hi all,

Just a quick query regarding the medical. I've been given an appointment for next week but been informed the closest location is in London whereas I'm based in Yorkshire.

Obviously due to the short notice, this is going to result in a rather expensive train journey.

Does Network Rail have a policy of expensing travel costs to the medical or I am going to need pay out of pocket for this?

Many thanks all!

When are you set to ‘start’? If it’s months away I’d call Optima and ask them if they have any availability for the medical to be done in York or Doncaster. Travelling to London for a medical is unreasonable

 

[Mikesig]

If I was successful in getting job as a signaller in Scotland, Tayside area, where is the signalling training likely to be? Is there any in Scotland or would it be down in England? Just wondering. I have interview on Thursday.

As far as I know, all signalling training for Scotland is normally done at Shettleston (Glasgow) although when they are short of places they do occasionally send people to York.