A career as a signaller

[Lpf93]

Hi Guys could someone tell what the N/R holiday year runs from/to please?

it’s calendar year 1 jan - 31 December

 

[RyW1]

hi guys. Is anyone around that has info of West Hampstead signal box that I could shoot a PM to?
A lot of the info I come across seems rather dated or inaccurate stating that it is closed.

 

[John Webb]

hi guys. Is anyone around that has info of West Hampstead signal box that I could shoot a PM to?
A lot of the info I come across seems rather dated or inaccurate stating that it is closed.

West Hampstead PSB is open and still using its 'N-X' (eNtrance-eXit) panel that it's run since opening. It was due to close and have its operating area divided between Three Bridges ROC and East Midlands ROC at Derby. But following Covid (and possibly spending restrictions) the N-X panel is to be replaced by VDUs controlling the existing interlocking along the line. Minor changes too to the boundary between Three Bridges and West Hampstead. Alterations to take place at Christmas 2024, I think I recall reading recently; or was it this coming Christmas?

(Can't give you any contact details - just that we at the preserved St Albans South box hear the gossip about things from time to time!)

 

[Pcoftw]

Anyone been given an interview for West Hampstead yet?

 

[RyW1]

West Hampstead PSB is open and still using its 'N-X' (eNtrance-eXit) panel that it's run since opening. It was due to close and have its operating area divided between Three Bridges ROC and East Midlands ROC at Derby. But following Covid (and possibly spending restrictions) the N-X panel is to be replaced by VDUs controlling the existing interlocking along the line. Minor changes too to the boundary between Three Bridges and West Hampstead. Alterations to take place at Christmas 2024, I think I recall reading recently; or was it this coming Christmas?

(Can't give you any contact details - just that we at the preserved St Albans South box hear the gossip about things from time to time!)

Thanks for this John. Much appreciated.

 

[manofthebay]

Ah just had an the unsuccessful/no interview email !

 

[High Dyke]

Ohh I didn’t mean cherry picking in that sense. I meant put a name down for ones where I know I will have childcare. Rather than trying to find it last minute or the week before. Thank you for principles. Very useful. Still waiting to hear back for an interview though…

Ah, see what you mean. Sorry if I misunderstood. There are resident signallers that don't work their booked Sundays. This may give opportunity to pick-up extra Sunday turns, providing you are in a position to be able to catch it.

Up until a few years ago my area had a number of signal boxes where the two resident signallers worked every Sunday in the Sumner period. That situation has now changed.

All the best for your application.

 

[Flashbang]

Can anyone give a bit of information in regards to the shift pattern for a Grade 7 at York ROC? Just curious as to what it looks like as something I didn’t get to ask in my interview. Thanks

 

[Joe96]

Anyone been given an interview for West Hampstead yet?

I was an internal candidate and had an interview on the 29th Sep I was the last person they interviewed apparently. Just got the rejection email today. I noticed it was advertised externally after it was only on the internal list so whether anyone external got an interview who knows.

 

[Pcoftw]

I was an internal candidate and had an interview on the 29th Sep I was the last person they interviewed apparently. Just got the rejection email today. I noticed it was advertised externally after it was only on the internal list so whether anyone external got an interview who knows.

thanks for the info’ bud. I’ve only had the “congrats’ for passing the online assessment” email. I look forward to my rejection email then. I’d best start looking for other vacancies haha. Are you already a signaller?

 

[Riddler]

Can anyone give a bit of information in regards to the shift pattern for a Grade 7 at York ROC? Just curious as to what it looks like as something I didn’t get to ask in my interview. Thanks

I did ask recruitment but haven’t heard anything back. I am still waiting on my DBS check back, I could really do with handing in my notice in this week.

 

[DC36]

Anybody able to advise what "general prp" means on a Payslip please?

Thanks in advance

 

[lineclear]

Anybody able to advise what "general prp" means on a Payslip please?

Thanks in advance

Performance related pay, i.e. bonus

 

[Dispatcher999]

I’ve just seen the Cambridge and Ely signaller position come up. Does anyone have any info if Grade 2 is just during training? Also if Cambridge is grade 2 even after training is that the basic? Is there a shift premium or Sundays paid as overtime for example? I’m Interested in this as a career but not willing to take a pay cut. Thanks

 

[Joe96]

thanks for the info’ bud. I’ve only had the “congrats’ for passing the online assessment” email. I look forward to my rejection email then. I’d best start looking for other vacancies haha. Are you already a signaller?

No not a signaller, but definitely my next step in my career hopefully. I don’t get why it was advertised externally if they weren’t gonna interview anybody.

 

[Frothy_B]

I’ve just seen the Cambridge and Ely signaller position come up. Does anyone have any info if Grade 2 is just during training? Also if Cambridge is grade 2 even after training is that the basic? Is there a shift premium or Sundays paid as overtime for example? I’m Interested in this as a career but not willing to take a pay cut. Thanks

I believe all training is done at Grade 2 now regardless of the eventual Grade of the job.

I believe Ely is a G6, or was when I applied around 18 months ago. Looking at the advert, Grades could range from 4-9. As it appears to be regional, you'd likely get taken on to train then apply for jobs in the region whilst in training. The places named are likely where they are expecting vacancies to come up during that timeframe.

 

[Bob200304]

Hi all,
I’ve recently applied for the level three operations apprenticeship in Sussex. I’ve completed ( and passed) the online assessments. I got an email last night inviting me to complete the online scenario test and an interview in person at three bridges. Is there any advice you can give on the scenario test, what are the questions, what are they looking for etc, and is there any advice on interview prep?
Cheers
Bob

 

[RCJ_ones]

Hi all, this thread is amazing by the way - thank you for all the input.

I’m currently doing my online tests for the three bridges (3bridges) 6,7 & 9 posts and feel like I royally ****** up the multitasking challenge as I’m not good with quick maths.

Anyway, my question is to anyone who did the online tests, did anyone else feel like they did horribly wrong on one of them but still get invited to interview?

Thank you in advance for your replies

 

[damz]

Hi all, this thread is amazing by the way - thank you for all the input.

I’m currently doing my online tests for the three bridges (3bridges) 6,7 & 9 posts and feel like I royally ****** up the multitasking challenge as I’m not good with quick maths.

Anyway, my question is to anyone who did the online tests, did anyone else feel like they did horribly wrong on one of them but still get invited to interview?

Thank you in advance for your replies

Trust me everyone probably felt like that. It was difficult I'm sure it was fine

 

[RCJ_ones]

Trust me everyone probably felt like that. It was difficult I'm sure it was fine

Thank you I’m really trying not to freak out about it. Know have the grid challenge to complete but even the practice for that is rocking my world.

Do you get told straight away if you’ve passed?

 

[Jordan4321]

Thank you I’m really trying not to freak out about it. Know have the grid challenge to complete but even the practice for that is rocking my world.

Do you get told straight away if you’ve passed?

Hi mate when I did mine I found out a few days after that I passed and I thought I majorly messed up

 

[damz]

Thank you I’m really trying not to freak out about it. Know have the grid challenge to complete but even the practice for that is rocking my world.

Do you get told straight away if you’ve passed?

I found out 2 days later that I passed then i waited 2 and a half weeks later to find out if I would be given an interview

 

[Pcoftw]

No not a signaller, but definitely my next step in my career hopefully. I don’t get why it was advertised externally if they weren’t gonna interview anybody.

Hey bud’, just got the rejection email for the interview stating better suited candidates. A bit odd considering I’ve passed the online test.

 

[manofthebay]

Hey bud’, just got the rejection email for the interview stating better suited candidates. A bit odd considering I’ve passed the online test.

I had this too mate

 

[Cheney B50]

Evening all,
Could someone tell me what a grade 5 signaller will take home 4 weekly with their Sundays and night allowance no OT. Thanks

 

[Joe96]

Hey bud’, just got the rejection email for the interview stating better suited candidates. A bit odd considering I’ve passed the online test.

Can only assume they've chosen the successful people internally. Very silly of them to advertise externally if they had no intention of interviewing anyone.

 

[bhabloke]

I was succesful in being offered a position at Three Bridges ROC in July, with a start date of 8th January 2024. I have been given a medical appointment for the 9th October. All good so far. Then I notice that it's in Doncaster which is over 180 miles away! I ring the company to be informed that they have no other appointments available and their contract ends on 13th October. Has anyone else been given such a ludicrous location and did Network Rail offer any financial support in having to attend. It just seems very unreasonable. I have emailed their generic email address and I am waiting for a reply.

 

[Royal351]

I was succesful in being offered a position at Three Bridges ROC in July, with a start date of 8th January 2024. I have been given a medical appointment for the 9th October. All good so far. Then I notice that it's in Doncaster which is over 180 miles away! I ring the company to be informed that they have no other appointments available and their contract ends on 13th October. Has anyone else been given such a ludicrous location and did Network Rail offer any financial support in having to attend. It just seems very unreasonable. I have emailed their generic email address and I am waiting for a reply.

All Occupational Health stuff is coming in house to NR from November-ish. so couldn't tell you, luckily I got Victoria (did have to travel on a strike day so was very lucky too), could be better waiting till then if you can.

But also welcome to the ROC! Brighton fans aren't welcome (they are I just don't want anymore) do you know what panels you'll be doing or are you a pool Signaller?

 

[bhabloke]

All Occupational Health stuff is coming in house to NR from November-ish. so couldn't tell you, luckily I got Victoria (did have to travel on a strike day so was very lucky too), could be better waiting till then if you can.

But also welcome to the ROC! Brighton fans aren't welcome (they are I just don't want anymore) do you know what panels you'll be doing or are you a pool Signaller?

Hi Royal351 Thank you! I have no idea what panels I will be doing, only that I will be a grade 2 trainee signaller. I have read that I will have to apply for a panel once qualified. Is that right? Are you a Reading fan? Never forgiven them for taking Coppell and Sidwell off us. Although to be fair, I'm not complaining where we are right now!

 

[Cheney B50]

Evening all,
Could someone tell me what a grade 5 signaller will take home 4 weekly with their Sundays and night allowance no OT. Thanks