A career as a signaller

[bhabloke]

I didn’t come from education but I switched careers to signalling in the middle of the pandemic from a public sector job I’d been doing for 15 years. I still quite enjoyed my previous job but I wanted progression and didn’t fancy the path that it took there.

I can honestly say after 3 years of working in single-manned AB boxes that I’m extremely disappointed not to have done this a decade ago. If the idea of the job sounds appealing to you and you can keep yourself occupied on your own then it’s an incredible place to work. I’m not sure about ROCs and the like.

Whilst it is possible to fail IST invariably those that do are given multiple extra chances to try the course again as long as they are putting the effort in. Also if it’s not for you then I’m sure the education sector is crying out for qualified staff so presumably they’d have you back somewhere?

Hi Kraken,
For someone who is about to start in their IST training, this is quite reassuring! I fully expected you would get one chance at the course and a fail is a fail and that's it. Hopefully it all goes okay, but I am bloody nervous about it.

 

[Goggins]

I had my interview a couple weeks back and got this message.

Its gone passed the date and not heard anything. You think basically I've not made it or I should chase them up?

I waited 6 weeks to hear anything.. And i had good news. Its a horrible wait, so I know how you feel.

I would imagine they're still interviewing or making a decision. Sounds good from that email.. Hope you get some good news soon!

 

[Signal_Box]

I wonder if your colleagues feel the same.

Seriously though, I know what you mean. Some prefer that working environment. Myself, I've been a 'nomad' for so long, working in a ROC or such like would not suit me.

I’m positive they do feel the same, it’s what makes the place such a toxic experience we’re all sick of the drama, fiddling and generally nastiness of a vocal minority who are seemingly untouchable.

 

[Jenny]

Got the thanks but not this time email.

But the paragraph in the email read this:

We’ve been really impressed by your overall performance, so we’d really like to add your details to our reserve list in case a position does become available. This means that if a place on this campaign becomes available, (for example, if someone withdraws their application), we will contact you again to make an offer to you.

Does that mean talent pool? Just for that area or will I be considered for other areas close by?

 

[Teuchter]

Got the thanks but not this time email.

But the paragraph in the email read this:

We’ve been really impressed by your overall performance, so we’d really like to add your details to our reserve list in case a position does become available. This means that if a place on this campaign becomes available, (for example, if someone withdraws their application), we will contact you again to make an offer to you.

Does that mean talent pool? Just for that area or will I be considered for other areas close by?

I got one of those a few months ago (reserve list and all) and they were advertising the same box again 6 weeks later. Didn’t even get an interview the second time.

 

[Equalizer]

I had a interview a couple of weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. I didn't even get the email you've posted from them

Oh man that sucks

They should really be on top of giving a slight update considering the steps and stress we go through the different process steps

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Nov 2023 ==

Got the thanks but not this time email.

But the paragraph in the email read this:

We’ve been really impressed by your overall performance, so we’d really like to add your details to our reserve list in case a position does become available. This means that if a place on this campaign becomes available, (for example, if someone withdraws their application), we will contact you again to make an offer to you.

Does that mean talent pool? Just for that area or will I be considered for other areas close by?

Hmm I dont know if they use your postcode as a basis to determine other areas.

Good luck for the next time. Did you request any more feedback to help with next time?

Did

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Nov 2023 ==

I’m positive they do feel the same, it’s what makes the place such a toxic experience we’re all sick of the drama, fiddling and generally nastiness of a vocal minority who are seemingly untouchable.

Im like you wouldnt want to go direct into a roc centre, well not for a good few years.

But im thinking if NR had it's way it would prefer all of us to work in roc centres within the next 10yrs.

But doubt they have the money to implement it in reality

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Nov 2023 ==

I had a interview a couple of weeks ago and still haven't heard anything. I didn't even get the email you've posted from them

Sorry to hear that, you should chase them up to get some sort of feedback

 

[NXFlyer]

Got the thanks but not this time email.

But the paragraph in the email read this:

We’ve been really impressed by your overall performance, so we’d really like to add your details to our reserve list in case a position does become available. This means that if a place on this campaign becomes available, (for example, if someone withdraws their application), we will contact you again to make an offer to you.

Does that mean talent pool? Just for that area or will I be considered for other areas close by?

Same email I got, about 4 months later was surprised to see an email inviting me to another interview and I start in Feb Hope something comes up soon for you.

For me it was for the same area, and I did ask about other locations but they said the lists aren't usually shared between areas.

 

[RailwayRookie]

Does that mean talent pool? Just for that area or will I be considered for other areas close by?

As above, I got a rejection from the area i applied for but two weeks later got an offer for the same grade box nearby that wasn't on the original list.

 

[Jenny]

I got one of those a few months ago (reserve list and all) and they were advertising the same box again 6 weeks later. Didn’t even get an interview the second time.

That’s not good.guess it’s a waiting game again.

Same email I got, about 4 months later was surprised to see an email inviting me to another interview and I start in Feb Hope something comes up soon for you.

For me it was for the same area, and I did ask about other locations but they said the lists aren't usually shared between areas.

This sounds promising. I’ll stay glued to my emails then.

As above, I got a rejection from the area i applied for but two weeks later got an offer for the same grade box nearby that wasn't on the original list.

All promising stuff.

I have asked for feedback. So I will wait and see what they say. Hopefully something else pops up in the mean time.

 

[Seanywarny]

I had my interview a couple weeks back and got this message.

Its gone passed the date and not heard anything. You think basically I've not made it or I should chase them up?

I got the same email and chased them up and and got a reply yesterday saying they are still interviewing people and would hopefully hear back soon…

 

[Lpf93]

Take the date they give you with a pinch of salt for when you hear back by. No news is good news usually

 

[Equalizer]

Haha yes I'll take it that way then.

 

[GMTUK]

Yep with the reserve list, just keep your fingers crossed. I had 2 interviews for 2 areas (Grade 2 and Grade 7) within a week and got on the reserve list for both. 2 months later I got a call offering me a Grade 9 and start next week. So don’t give up if you get one of the reserve list emails, cause you never know what will happen.

 

[Sugarpuff]

Is anyone still awaiting a 'assessment' decision on the anglia route, it finished on the 5th Oct and I've not heard if I've been given an interview or not, I know interviews are actually in progress at the moment?

 

[MylesHSG]

A long old set then, does this allow you to have a week off in a row under the new 60hr limit?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 31 Oct 2023 ==


Are 12 hours shift patterns all quite similar then or is it random depending on box and region, or does NR have a general guideline for the shift?

The rosters will vary depending on who was working the box when they were changed over. For example we changed ours in early 2021 to become 60hr compliant, as well as a change in our opening hours. The signallers there all had our input and any new signallers will have to go with it. If there is a significant change to the staff/people are unhappy you can always ask for a roster review and if all parties are happy then it can be changed. Some rosters might favour not working too many days in a row, but with less consecutive days off, some might favour working 5 12hr shifts in a block and maximising consecutive days off. Some might have 2 weekends off in a row, others every other weekend.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Nov 2023 ==

Oh that is really interesting, thank you for the info, off topic but how quickly can I join the union after joining NR and is RMT the one to go for?

I'd recommend joining before you go to IST. There has been cases recently where union representation was needed for those in IST.

 

[Equalizer]

Take the date they give you with a pinch of salt for when you hear back by. No news is good news usually

I just got call with the conditional offer so now they starting the on boarding process which will take a few weeks now.

 

[MylesHSG]

Iv been offered an interview for a Grade 2 box. My first question is about the school. I'm currently in full time employment and iv seen many people mentioning how hard the school was. I was never good in actual school but seeing other people struggle amd talking about many exams, how likely is it that you can fail? I'd hate to give up my current job then fail the Signaller training then have nothing as I couldn't go back to the job I have

Hi mate. I completely understand your worries but this is what I say to everyone. If you have passed the assesments and interview you certainly have the capacity to pass IST. Remember LOM's usually have a good knack of hiring the right people! Yes IST is challenging, I'm not going to sugarcoat it, but if you put in the required effort you will pass.

 

[Jordan4321]

The rosters will vary depending on who was working the box when they were changed over. For example we changed ours in early 2021 to become 60hr compliant, as well as a change in our opening hours. The signallers there all had our input and any new signallers will have to go with it. If there is a significant change to the staff/people are unhappy you can always ask for a roster review and if all parties are happy then it can be changed. Some rosters might favour not working too many days in a row, but with less consecutive days off, some might favour working 5 12hr shifts in a block and maximising consecutive days off. Some might have 2 weekends off in a row, others every other weekend.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 3 Nov 2023 ==



I'd recommend joining before you go to IST. There has been cases recently where union representation was needed for those in IST.

Okay sounds fair and I will join the union on my first actually start day before ist then , thanks for the help

 

[Iman15]

Is anyone still awaiting a 'assessment' decision on the anglia route, it finished on the 5th Oct and I've not heard if I've been given an interview or not, I know interviews are actually in progress at the moment?

Me

 

[Nick7555]

Is anyone still awaiting a 'assessment' decision on the anglia route, it finished on the 5th Oct and I've not heard if I've been given an interview or not, I know interviews are actually in progress at the moment?

I’m still waiting to hear back. When I chased them up on Monday they said they’re still shortlisting applications and would send an update soon.

 

[Pickledegg]

Is anyone still awaiting a 'assessment' decision on the anglia route, it finished on the 5th Oct and I've not heard if I've been given an interview or not, I know interviews are actually in progress at the moment?

I had an interview last week and waiting to hear back. I also received an email saying interviews will be over by 30th October.
But, at the end of the interview one of them said not to worry if I didn't hear anything for a while. As someone else said - take the dates with a pinch of salt?

 

[Brett55]

Hi guys,

I had my signaller interview for west Wales just over a week ago, all went smoothly. How long do they usually take to make their decision?

Cheers
Brett

 

[Llanigraham]

Hi guys,

I had my signaller interview for west Wales just over a week ago, all went smoothly. How long do they usually take to make their decision?

Cheers
Brett

Numerous answers to this, this week, in the long thread about signalers in the top section of this area.

 

[Jet]

I didn’t come from education but I switched careers to signalling in the middle of the pandemic from a public sector job I’d been doing for 15 years. I still quite enjoyed my previous job but I wanted progression and didn’t fancy the path that it took there.

I can honestly say after 3 years of working in single-manned AB boxes that I’m extremely disappointed not to have done this a decade ago. If the idea of the job sounds appealing to you and you can keep yourself occupied on your own then it’s an incredible place to work. I’m not sure about ROCs and the like.

Whilst it is possible to fail IST invariably those that do are given multiple extra chances to try the course again as long as they are putting the effort in. Also if it’s not for you then I’m sure the education sector is crying out for qualified staff so presumably they’d have you back somewhere?

Thank you for this. That’s my viewpoint too I’d that I can always go back if it doesn’t work for myself or family. Iv been in education for so long and that’s all I know and during the summer very ready to leave and now I have an offer I’m scared!

I have applied for a higher grade post so have some time to think as asked to wait until I either get an interview or a rejection letter before I make a decision.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2023 ==

Hi guys,

I had my signaller interview for west Wales just over a week ago, all went smoothly. How long do they usually take to make their decision?

Cheers
Brett

I was nearly 7/8 weeks!

 

[Equalizer]

A question to all that done the ist training

If you had to do the 12 weeks all over again what would you do differently ?

 

[Canonite]

For the benefit of those people wondering about how challenging IST can be, my take is that if you have passed the assessments and got to interview then you already have the capabilities required to pass IST.
The figure I was told by an OM is that it costs Network Rail around £60,000 each to put every candidate through the course, so they’re not going to select people they weren’t sure would pass.

That said, people do fail. Me being one of them. People don’t really admit it on here either, but I failed my final exam falling just short of getting a talk up, and as such I had to rejoin another course from Week 7, and subsequently went on to pass very comfortably. Having been in my box and meeting other signallers there are quite a lot that fell short and went on to pass too.
There was one person on my course that had failed previously who came back and passed. When I joined the other group there was one in that group who had failed previously and had to come back.

Make vital use of the sim group sessions, go through rules and quizzes together etc over evening meal. Take time for yourself too, that’s important. Have your cut off point.
For flash card revision I used the StudySmarter app, and basically put every question from the ‘quizzes‘ in there. If I’d done that from Week 1, I’d have passed first time I’m sure.

 

[Open_G]

A question to all that done the ist training

If you had to do the 12 weeks all over again what would you do differently ?

I’m not sure there’s much I’d change about the way our group worked together. I went with the attitude of knowing that there is a possibility of failure but that NR will support those who show the right initiative to get through. So I threw myself into it with as much energy as I could. I suppose the thing I found most challenging was getting up on the SIM in front of the full group to run a new scenario. It took me probably 6 weeks to get comfortable with it and maybe I shied away from getting that initial hands on learning. It was the total silence or quiet murmurs behind me that I found really hard. I’d add that we didn’t have an unsupportive group at all, it was purely my personal struggles.

So what I’d do differently would be to throw myself forward into those scenarios (or possibly better- agree a rotation with the group so that everyone gets a fair crack on the SIM with the WDS leading something new)

SIM groups are another thought. Our course stuck with the same official sim groups from day one to the end of the course. The course behind us mixed this up on almost a weekly basis. Maybe that could have worked out well for us giving a bit of alternative input but we probably learned to trust our groups as a safe place to fail and explore.

 

[Equalizer]

For the benefit of those people wondering about how challenging IST can be, my take is that if you have passed the assessments and got to interview then you already have the capabilities required to pass IST.
The figure I was told by an OM is that it costs Network Rail around £60,000 each to put every candidate through the course, so they’re not going to select people they weren’t sure would pass.

That said, people do fail. Me being one of them. People don’t really admit it on here either, but I failed my final exam falling just short of getting a talk up, and as such I had to rejoin another course from Week 7, and subsequently went on to pass very comfortably. Having been in my box and meeting other signallers there are quite a lot that fell short and went on to pass too.
There was one person on my course that had failed previously who came back and passed. When I joined the other group there was one in that group who had failed previously and had to come back.

Make vital use of the sim group sessions, go through rules and quizzes together etc over evening meal. Take time for yourself too, that’s important. Have your cut off point.
For flash card revision I used the StudySmarter app, and basically put every question from the ‘quizzes‘ in there. If I’d done that from Week 1, I’d have passed first time I’m sure.

Thanks for sharing this mate, love the honesty

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2023 ==

I’m not sure there’s much I’d change about the way our group worked together. I went with the attitude of knowing that there is a possibility of failure but that NR will support those who show the right initiative to get through. So I threw myself into it with as much energy as I could. I suppose the thing I found most challenging was getting up on the SIM in front of the full group to run a new scenario. It took me probably 6 weeks to get comfortable with it and maybe I shied away from getting that initial hands on learning. It was the total silence or quiet murmurs behind me that I found really hard. I’d add that we didn’t have an unsupportive group at all, it was purely my personal struggles.

So what I’d do differently would be to throw myself forward into those scenarios (or possibly better- agree a rotation with the group so that everyone gets a fair crack on the SIM with the WDS leading something new)

SIM groups are another thought. Our course stuck with the same official sim groups from day one to the end of the course. The course behind us mixed this up on almost a weekly basis. Maybe that could have worked out well for us giving a bit of alternative input but we probably learned to trust our groups as a safe place to fail and explore.

Cheers another helpful insight

Got to remember to prepare to demonstrate understanding in front of a group in these sim scenerios and not be afraid to make mistakes as long as I learn

 

[High Dyke]

I’m positive they do feel the same, it’s what makes the place such a toxic experience we’re all sick of the drama, fiddling and generally nastiness of a vocal minority who are seemingly untouchable.

I can understand, having had to negotiate for signallers working in a PSB, but who weren't under the same management. Even trying to get a level playing field when it came to meal breaks was met with animosity by the higher graded staff.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 4 Nov 2023 ==

I'd recommend joining before you go to IST. There has been cases recently where union representation was needed for those in IST

I'll second that, having had to represent someone in a disciplinary whilst on IST.

 

[Kabin]

I was looking forward to my interview this coming week and potentially a new career. Has anybody else had a meltdown while doing the online pre interview assessment? What annoys me is my current role I speak to customers, managers and other colleagues and work in a potentially stressful environment having to solve problems and issues on a daily basis but recording myself doing a scenario I just couldn't do it. My mind went blank and the nerves kicked in. I couldn't string any sentencs together from my notes. Iv never used or been in a position to need to use video calls so haven't got used to the thought of it. This is obviously what they're looking for to sift out those who can't deal with pressure and a general insight before an interview but I don't feel like I was able to show myself exactly who I am. I'm disappointed in myself and not blaming their recruitment strategy. Unfortunately the end of the road for me now but maybe I should work on video call confidence and maybe reapply in the future.