A career as a signaller

[LAX54]

Colchester has a PSB at the North Station, where the main link is Grade 8. They cover the main line from Chitts Hill, just South of Colchester to Norwich, the Clacton/Walton on the Naze Branch, and the Felixstowe Branch.

The NYL workstations, which cover Brundall/Lowestoft/Great Yarmouth are also located there, and they are a Grade 4.

Other than that there is Parkeston Signal Box, which is a Grade 4 and Stowmarket Gate Box, which I am unsure of the Grade.

Bury Yard is a little bit further along heading towards Cambridge but that is due to be abolished very soon as part of the Cambridge resignalling project.

Other than these boxes there are no others in the area. Shift patterns are majority 12 hours, but there a few exceptions which still work an 8 hour roster. Hope this helps.

Stowmarket is a Gate Box and is a Grade 2, there is also Saxmundham Grade 6, Bury is time limited with resignalling underway
As you say Colchester ASC is Grade 8 Main Link, and the NYL (Norwich, Yarmouth, Lowestoft) Grade 4 Axle Counter.
NYL is a good route into the Main link at Colchester.

 

[SuperS16v]

Has anyone completed the new 10 week IST? What can I expect on the week 1 multi question test. Just things to revise and look over?

Cheers

Completed it a couple of weeks ago.

Assuming you complete the pre learning and turn up in the first week It’s one of the easiest tests you will ever do. Most of the delegates got 100%.

The week 5 and 9 exam are another story. Start revising and going over your notes straight away. The course quickly gets overwhelming! Especially after week 5.

 

[SignalM0n]

Completed it a couple of weeks ago.

Assuming you complete the pre learning and turn up in the first week It’s one of the easiest tests you will ever do. Most of the delegates got 100%.

The week 5 and 9 exam are another story. Start revising and going over your notes straight away. The course quickly gets overwhelming! Especially after week 5.

Congratulations - not an easy thing to get through from what I’m seeing and hearing.

 

[Cheney B50]

Completed it a couple of weeks ago.

Assuming you complete the pre learning and turn up in the first week It’s one of the easiest tests you will ever do. Most of the delegates got 100%.

The week 5 and 9 exam are another story. Start revising and going over your notes straight away. The course quickly gets overwhelming! Especially after week 5.

Well done.

Anything in particular to go over or is it really that easy.

 

[Frothy_B]

Well done.

Anything in particular to go over or is it really that easy.

Take the preliminary e-learning seriously, don't just rush through it and call it done. It's not all relevant but it will give you a good grounding for week one. The remainder of week one will prepare you for the test alongside the things you pick up from e-learning.

I'm starting to worry about week 5 myself. I know I should be ok but it's a hefty load of information you need to get spot on.

 

[Open_G]

Take the preliminary e-learning seriously, don't just rush through it and call it done. It's not all relevant but it will give you a good grounding for week one. The remainder of week one will prepare you for the test alongside the things you pick up from e-learning.

I'm starting to worry about week 5 myself. I know I should be ok but it's a hefty load of information you need to get spot on.

I think everyone worries about the written papers. They are there to test you but also there to be passed. There is nothing in them that hasn’t been covered and genuinely high marks are possible. There were some surprisingly easy marks in there alongside some of the more challenging bits. If you do the work I can’t see why anyone cannot get through them with the right revision practices. Rely on your group to support each other, never be afraid of asking the dumb question and put the effort in in the evenings.

 

[damz]

Hi Damz,
Fingers crossed for you. I was successful for the grade 2 TBROC role back in July. I have my medical on Monday with a start date for the 8th January. I had to wait about ten days before I heard my interview result if that helps at all.

Thanks I appreciate it. I'm officially on week 3 now. What IST are you going to?

 

[yofal]

Hi All.
First time poster and have only recently come across this forum.
I have applied for and been invited to an interview for grade 2 Signaller which includes the Signaller training school. Which I believe is in York which would be my nearest location.
The position is for Hexham, Scarborough, Hull.
I am completely new to this and the industry so I'm looking for some advice, tips for interview. And also what a career like is within NR and also as a Signaller.
I am obviously nervous for what it entails being so new to it all.
Shift times, pay, training etc.
Any help or advice very much appreciated.

 

[Buiadh]

Hello folks,

1st time poster long time reader.

Back in July/August this year I went through the application process for a Grade 3 Signaller and after interview was told I was unsuccessful but was told that my details would be kept on shortlist for any future vacancies. I thought at time I would not hear another thing about it, however out of the blue this morning received a phone call from Network Rail offering me a Grade 2 Signaller position starting in January. The phone call caught me on the hop so I asked if they could email me the details through which I am still waiting on.

So it was explained that this would be a permanent Grade 2 Trainee Signaller role in the Perth area and that would be for the purposes of initial training, and that upon passing out I would be placed to or apply for a specific box within a 60 minute commute of home address.

Have a coupe of questions I was hoping some of the many knowledgeable folks on here could answer.

Firstly while its a post for a Grade 2 position is there the likelihood that if there was a grade 3 position available could I potentially apply for/be placed into that?

The reason I ask if I would be taking quite a big drop in salary to accept this role and just want to get a full picture of the financial outlook so I can make an informed decision. Also once passed out if I was in a grade 2 role with Sunday overtime/ nightshift allowances etc what am I likely to come out with per month.

Also am I right in saying that Network Rail employees are also entitled to discounted rail travel? I do a lot of travelling (Not commuting) via rail at the moment that costs probably easily over £150 per month and obviously if this is the case it is something that I would have to factor in.

I am really keen to accept this role and while I fully appreciate I will have to drop wages in the shorter term during training etc, I just want to get an idea of the longer term situation as the decision obviously has to be right for the whole family with mortgages, bills to pay etc.

Thanks in advance

.

 

[BG1983]

Congratulations!

I've not had anything yet but I'm a little further north and Perth is outside the 60 minute window for me.

I don't think you'll regret taking the opportunity, I turned down a G3 last year after being put on the reserve list as I had last minute doubts over a basic salary drop and I really regret it.

What industry are you coming from if you don't mind me asking?

Yeah my only reservation is the drop in salary but I think with Sunday OT/allowances etc I would be able to make that up particularly if ended up in a G3 box.

I would be coming over from Emergency Services. Done that a long time now and it's on its arse to be perfectly honest and has such a massive negative impact on life/mood. Defo time for a chance just daunting taking that leap and want to make sure I make right decision

 

[godfreycomplex]

Does anyone know which areas are still under control of Victoria ASC?

Battersea Power Station - Kemsing/Longfield (via Herne Hill and Catford)

 

[Goggins]

Yeah my only reservation is the drop in salary but I think with Sunday OT/allowances etc I would be able to make that up particularly if ended up in a G3 box.

I would be coming over from Emergency Services. Done that a long time now and it's on its arse to be perfectly honest and has such a massive negative impact on life/mood. Defo time for a chance just daunting taking that leap and want to make sure I make right decision

I'm coming from Nuclear sector and thought exactly the same.. Dropping slightly, but ready for the next career, hoping the Sundays help at Grade 2 and then move onto higher stuff if opportunities arise. Good Luck mate

 

[Buiadh]

.

 

[BG1983]

I'm coming from Nuclear sector and thought exactly the same.. Dropping slightly, but ready for the next career, hoping the Sundays help at Grade 2 and then move onto higher stuff if opportunities arise. Good Luck mate

Do you have a start date yet?

Yeah there is nothing to say that once I passed out that I wouldn't be straight into a higher grade box would just be what's available.

What gave me pause for concern was that the box I was offered was shut on Sundays so that reduced the OT opportunities.

Still, looking back I regret it as it would have got me in the door and could have moved to another box in time.

I think I would seriously regret not taking the opportunity as well.

I have been looking into the boxes that are within hour of my address and if info is up to date, Large amount open continuously, with a few only closed sat night to Sun morning. Of all those boxes only 1 is closed on a Sunday and that one is close to the 1 hour limit but does have the added bonus of being a grade 3 box.

 

[bhabloke]

Hoping there might be someone on here thats had their medical in York. I have mine on Monday but it's not clear eaxctly where it is, as the postcode given covers a large area and even street view isn't much help. Can anyone tellme what I should be looking out for or even screenshot it for me? If there is any advantage to keep my blood pressure levels from being sky high,it would definitely help!

 

[SH89]

Do you have a start date yet?

Yeah there is nothing to say that once I passed out that I wouldn't be straight into a higher grade box would just be what's available.

I think I would seriously regret not taking the opportunity as well.

I have been looking into the boxes that are within hour of my address and if info is up to date, Large amount open continuously, with a few only closed sat night to Sun morning. Of all those boxes only 1 is closed on a Sunday and that one is close to the 1 hour limit but does have the added bonus of being a grade 3 box

I'm coming from Nuclear sector and thought exactly the same.. Dropping slightly, but ready for the next career, hoping the Sundays help at Grade 2 and then move onto higher stuff if opportunities arise. Good Luck mate

Do you have a start date yet?

Yeah there is nothing to say that once I passed out that I wouldn't be straight into a higher grade box would just be what's available.

I think I would seriously regret not taking the opportunity as well.

I have been looking into the boxes that are within hour of my address and if info is up to date, Large amount open continuously, with a few only closed sat night to Sun morning. Of all those boxes only 1 is closed on a Sunday and that one is close to the 1 hour limit but does have the added bonus of being a grade 3 box.

To give you some context, my first year in grade 3 I did 55k. I’ve now moved up a couple of grades. The opportunity to earn much greater sums that the basic is readily available if you want to do the OT

 

[JH9]

I have been looking into the boxes that are within hour of my address and if info is up to date, Large amount open continuously, with a few only closed sat night to Sun morning. Of all those boxes only 1 is closed on a Sunday and that one is close to the 1 hour limit but does have the added bonus of being a grade 3 box.

Hey, can I ask what you're using to look up signal boxes in your area? Is there a particular website you've found useful? Thanks

 

[BG1983]

To give you some context, my first year in grade 3 I did 55k. I’ve now moved up a couple of grades. The opportunity to earn much greater sums that the basic is readily available if you want to do the OT

Wow that's a lot of money.
I know other people have mentioned about being wary of doing to much OT to soon but it's good to know the opportunity to earn is possible.


What area of the country are you based in?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 6 Oct 2023 ==

Hey, can I ask what you're using to look up signal boxes in your area? Is there a particular website you've found useful? Thanks

If you Google network rail signal boxes I found a file that is essentially an excel spreadsheet. I am not sure how up to date it is but there is references to some boxes being closed in 2018 so it's not horrendously out of date.

 

[Open_G]

Hoping there might be someone on here thats had their medical in York. I have mine on Monday but it's not clear eaxctly where it is, as the postcode given covers a large area and even street view isn't much help. Can anyone tellme what I should be looking out for or even screenshot it for me? If there is any advantage to keep my blood pressure levels from being sky high,it would definitely help!

What’s the postcode? I wasn’t sent to York but know it relatively well.

 

[Goggins]

Do you have a start date yet?

Yeah there is nothing to say that once I passed out that I wouldn't be straight into a higher grade box would just be what's available.

I think I would seriously regret not taking the opportunity as well.

I have been looking into the boxes that are within hour of my address and if info is up to date, Large amount open continuously, with a few only closed sat night to Sun morning. Of all those boxes only 1 is closed on a Sunday and that one is close to the 1 hour limit but does have the added bonus of being a grade 3 box.

I started on the 4th of September, i head to IST on Sunday in Bristol. The box I've been told is 8hr, but could end up in a 12hr, we'll see.. Happy either way

 

[PF19]

If you Google network rail signal boxes I found a file that is essentially an excel spreadsheet. I am not sure how up to date it is but there is references to some boxes being closed in 2018 so it's not horrendously out of date.

If it's the one I've seen about, there are inconsistencies throughout, where boxes should have closed and haven't etc

 

[BG1983]

If it's the one I've seen about, there are inconsistencies throughout, where boxes should have closed and haven't etc

Compendium of Signal Box Opening Times - Network Rail https://www.networkrail.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Compendium-of-Signal-Box-Opening-Times.xlsx

 

[Benjiw17]

I started on the 4th of September, i head to IST on Sunday in Bristol. The box I've been told is 8hr, but could end up in a 12hr, we'll see.. Happy either way

Think I’ve spoken to you on here before about courses in Bristol and mine being a different date, as it turns out, mine is this Monday coming! Only found out this week, looking forward to it!

 

[lambo79]

Hoping there might be someone on here thats had their medical in York. I have mine on Monday but it's not clear eaxctly where it is, as the postcode given covers a large area and even street view isn't much help. Can anyone tellme what I should be looking out for or even screenshot it for me? If there is any advantage to keep my blood pressure levels from being sky high,it would definitely help!

Hi bhabloke, I had my medical at York and had the same worries as you, definitely not clear on map as the address used is out of date.

However, it's at the end of Holgate Park Drive, called Holgate Depot rather than the Old Carriageworks. There's a security gatehouse on the right and they'll direct you to the first portacabin where the medical is held.

Mine was done by Optima and I've read that they are losing the contract so double check where you are going but the Holgate Park Drive address is as below:

Don't stress too much about the medical, they were really friendly and relaxed.

 

[bhabloke]

Hi bhabloke, I had my medical at York and had the same worries as you, definitely not clear on map as the address used is out of date.

However, it's at the end of Holgate Park Drive, called Holgate Depot rather than the Old Carriageworks. There's a security gatehouse on the right and they'll direct you to the first portacabin where the medical is held.

Mine was done by Optima and I've read that they are losing the contract so double check where you are going but the Holgate Park Drive address is as below:

Don't stress too much about the medical, they were really friendly and relaxed.

Hi Lambo,
That is so helpful, Thank you very much. Damn this forum is good!

 

[lambo79]

Hi Lambo,
That is so helpful, Thank you very much. Damn this forum is good!

No worries. Congratulations on getting this far. Have you got a provisional start date yet? Good luck at the medical

 

[Goggins]

Think I’ve spoken to you on here before about courses in Bristol and mine being a different date, as it turns out, mine is this Monday coming! Only found out this week, looking forward to it!

What course are you on? Absolute Block or Track Circuit?

 

[Benjiw17]

What course are you on? Absolute Block or Track Circuit?

Track circuit, they originally had us on an AB course, but decided to put us on track circuit from Monday

 

[kenneth wright]

Hi is any one on here starting at Wakefield on the 22nd of January ive been told there will be 2 of us starting there on the same day.Also is anyone else going to IST in York the first week of February?

 

[bhabloke]

No worries. Congratulations on getting this far. Have you got a provisional start date yet? Good luck at the medical

My provisional start date is the 8th January. Thank you for your help and kind words.