A career as a signaller

[chrislfc]

I have been chasing and chasing a on boarding/start date for signalling school since my completion of checks, medical and DBS at the start of October.
Numerous emails and phone calls with no further update. I have just been told they aim to have a start date for me in May!? I was hoping January as i have seen a few others been given this date who were in the same recruitment pool as me. Fairly dissapointed

Easy for me to say but try not to be too downhearted about it. I was in the same Chester/Warrington group as you, and when I asked on interview about a start date I was told they were looking at April/May time.

I then got lucky with a (planned) start date of Jan, but the recruitment drive across the UK is huge, so I’d imagine there will be a lot of people to get into training school places.

Focus on the positives. You’re in, you’ve got it to look forward to, and while there’s a bit of a wait, you know it’s coming.

 

[LearnerJ]

I was offered the job end of October and they told me on the phone it was a start date of January 29th. Did they tell you a date in the phone?

This seems a reasonable amount of time to wait, are you manchester based, i would be in warrington which also would make sense for me to be on the 29th! id be happy with early next year but a 6 month wait seems slightly excessive? I have just realised my medical apparently is valid for 3 months from the date until starting with NR (as per the email) Im hoping the date its a mistake and they will bring it forward. I have asked to be notified of cancellations or extra spaces on nearer IST courses. Does anyone have a better contact to speak to recruitment, currently liaising with a lady who initially told me i have the job but hoping to speak to someone more senior.

Easy for me to say but try not to be too downhearted about it. I was in the same Chester/Warrington group as you, and when I asked on interview about a start date I was told they were looking at April/May time.

I then got lucky with a (planned) start date of Jan, but the recruitment drive across the UK is huge, so I’d imagine there will be a lot of people to get into training school places.

Focus on the positives. You’re in, you’ve got it to look forward to, and while there’s a bit of a wait, you know it’s coming.

Thanks mate, that makes me feel a lot better. I think its my eagerness combined with the general disinterest in my current role!

I know i'll be moving onto bigger and better pastures eventually here is to hoping something crops up sooner.

 

[chrislfc]

This seems a reasonable amount of time to wait, are you manchester based, i would be in warrington which also would make sense for me to be on the 29th! id be happy with early next year but a 6 month wait seems slightly excessive? I have just realised my medical apparently is valid for 3 months from the date until starting with NR (as per the email) Im hoping the date its a mistake and they will bring it forward. I have asked to be notified of cancellations or extra spaces on nearer IST courses. Does anyone have a better contact to speak to recruitment, currently liaising with a lady who initially told me i have the job but hoping to speak to someone more senior.


Thanks mate, that makes me feel a lot better. I think its my eagerness combined with the general disinterest in my current role!

I know i'll be moving onto bigger and better pastures eventually here is to hoping something crops up sooner.

Email recruitment support (link in most of your onboarding emails), I found them to be really helpful throughout.

Like I said, from what I was told at interview, you’ve been given what was supposed to be the planned start date. I’d guess those of us who got onto earlier courses were just the ones picked out of a hat!

 

[endofthetunnel]

… I have just realised my medical apparently is valid for 3 months from the date until starting with NR (as per the email) Im hoping the date its a mistake and they will bring it forward. I have asked to be notified of cancellations or extra spaces on nearer IST courses. Does anyone have a better contact to speak to recruitment, currently liaising with a lady who initially told me i have the job but hoping to speak to someone more senior.
…

In Network Rail recruitment, 6 months is nothing really, it frequently takes that long for qualified signallers to move signal boxes, and they don’t need an allocated space on an oversubscribed 3 month course!

If there’s no spaces available for your area on the next 2 rounds of IST, that takes it to May. And they won’t give you a start date without a course if they can avoid it, saves them just paying you to sit around.

Feel free to chase but a cancellation will be your only hope probably, and chasing won’t help that! Let them know your notice period and if you’re happy to take it at short notice but then just sit back and wait, would be my suggestion.

The medical thing is true in theory, but worst case you’ll just have another one - might as well get used to them, you’ll have one at least every 3 years from now on!

 

[Lpf93]

I’ve received an email about my Anglia Routes grade 2 signaler application.

“We have now filled all of our interview spaces for our current round of recruitment, however as you have completed and passed our initial testing we would like to keep your details for our next round of interviews.”

Does this mean my application was uncessfull or do I still have a chance at getting the role?

Sounds like you met the score threshold but X amount of people scored higher than you and all accepted an interview. If people back out you might get offered an interview but they’ve kept you on the reserve list anyway

 

[LearnerJ]

Email recruitment support (link in most of your onboarding emails), I found them to be really helpful throughout.

Like I said, from what I was told at interview, you’ve been given what was supposed to be the planned start date. I’d guess those of us who got onto earlier courses were just the ones picked out of a hat!

Thanks, i'll drop an email. Dont want to be too pushy with it but no harm in a little query!

In Network Rail recruitment, 6 months is nothing really, it frequently takes that long for qualified signallers to move signal boxes, and they don’t need an allocated space on an oversubscribed 3 month course!

If there’s no spaces available for your area on the next 2 rounds of IST, that takes it to May. And they won’t give you a start date without a course if they can avoid it, saves them just paying you to sit around.

Feel free to chase but a cancellation will be your only hope probably, and chasing won’t help that! Let them know your notice period and if you’re happy to take it at short notice but then just sit back and wait, would be my suggestion.

The medical thing is true in theory, but worst case you’ll just have another one - might as well get used to them, you’ll have one at least every 3 years from now on!

From applying to job offer was really quick but then it seems there is a bottle neck of new recruits trying to get onto IST.

Ah, that makes sense really! pointless spending payroll if were not yet trained up to do the job.

Great, thanks for the advice again its appreciated.

 

[Sugarpuff]

I’ve received an email about my Anglia Routes grade 2 signaler application.

“We have now filled all of our interview spaces for our current round of recruitment, however as you have completed and passed our initial testing we would like to keep your details for our next round of interviews.”

Does this mean my application was uncessfull or do I still have a chance at getting the role?

I got the same, I think if was a straight 'unsuccessful' they would of said from previous experience.

 

[Dread Pirate]

This seems a reasonable amount of time to wait, are you manchester based, i would be in warrington which also would make sense for me to be on the 29th! id be happy with early next year but a 6 month wait seems slightly excessive? I have just realised my medical apparently is valid for 3 months from the date until starting with NR (as per the email) Im hoping the date its a mistake and they will bring it forward. I have asked to be notified of cancellations or extra spaces on nearer IST courses. Does anyone have a better contact to speak to recruitment, currently liaising with a lady who initially told me i have the job but hoping to speak to someone more senior.


Thanks mate, that makes me feel a lot better. I think its my eagerness combined with the general disinterest in my current role!

I know i'll be moving onto bigger and better pastures eventually here is to hoping something crops up sooner.

Yes mate I live in Manchester applied for the high peak and got my training at New Mills. They told me the IST would be in Manchester. I’ve got my medical on Friday so fingers crossed I pass that and get my start date confirmed. Don’t think I could stomach another 6 months in my current job. Already been on wind down mode waiting until the end of January.

 

[Nick7555]

Sounds like you met the score threshold but X amount of people scored higher than you and all accepted an interview. If people back out you might get offered an interview but they’ve kept you on the reserve list anyway

Okay, that’s good to know. I’ll wait and see if anything comes through.

I got the same, I think if was a straight 'unsuccessful' they would have said from previous experience.

That’s what I was thinking. Compared to the other emails I’ve seen on here, this one seems quite vague.

 

[dave112]

I've just applied for Bristol st andrews does anyone have any information on this box what's it like? what shifts they are on etc?

 

[Cheney B50]

Can someone explain the 60hour rule to me please? New to signalling and just trying to get my head round it. Does it always mean a single man Box with four regular staff will require a 5th member of staff?

 

[Lpf93]

Can someone explain the 60hour rule to me please? New to signalling and just trying to get my head round it. Does it always mean a single man Box with four regular staff will require a 5th member of staff?

Some areas have implemented it differently.
Essentially you can only work up to 60 hours in a rolling 7 day period. Some areas are strict with this and won’t let you go over, other areas, if nobody else can cover the shift will allow you to go up to 72 hours as long as your LOM has done a fatigue risk assessment for you (which will basically be ‘are you happy working 72 hours in a 7 day period?’)

 

[LuckyTaffy]

Also relief get that premium 12 to 32% boost to pay right to thier base salary.

This is useful insight thank you

 

[CarryOnThrough]

Anyone that has had their start date a reasonable distance before their IST, what did they have you doing for the time between?

Not much in all honesty, but it all depends on your LOM.

You have a two week e-learning course before IST but you can probably finish it in a couple of days if you went at it. Quite basic stuff, but do make notes as you'll be tested on it during your first week as IST. We were able to do it from home, but others were made to do at a Network Rail site.

My LOM arranged a couple of box visits, but it was literally a couple of hours spent in each one speaking to a signaller, and at that stage most of it will go over your head.

Another few on my course had a more significant wait and were signed off as crossing keepers whilst waiting, even managing to get in some over-time before starting IST.

Best to ask your LOM what the arrangements will be as it will vary. I got quite lucky as aside from the e-learning and box visits it was essentially three weeks of paid leave.

 

[bhabloke]

Not much in all honesty, but it all depends on your LOM.

You have a two week e-learning course before IST but you can probably finish it in a couple of days if you went at it. Quite basic stuff, but do make notes as you'll be tested on it during your first week as IST. We were able to do it from home, but others were made to do at a Network Rail site.

My LOM arranged a couple of box visits, but it was literally a couple of hours spent in each one speaking to a signaller, and at that stage most of it will go over your head.

Another few on my course had a more significant wait and were signed off as crossing keepers whilst waiting, even managing to get in some over-time before starting IST.

Best to ask your LOM what the arrangements will be as it will vary. I got quite lucky as aside from the e-learning and box visits it was essentially three weeks of paid leave.

I have just completed my first week at NR. I have the position of pool signaller, based at TBROC. My IST doesnt start until 8th January. I have been given a crosssing to learn and will hopefully be signed off as a crossing keeper before starting IST. I have a number of other days visiting sites and spending a few days with a LOM and MOM. I will also have two weeks of online study which they have provided a laptop for ready for the school. It's all go so far!

 

[Signal_Box]

I've just applied for Bristol st andrews does anyone have any information on this box what's it like? what shifts they are on etc?

12hr shifts, very very quiet. Lovely scenery to keep you interested though.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Nov 2023 ==

This is useful insight thank you

Relief is as low as 4% upto 32%.

ROC relief is 4%.

 

[Equalizer]

I have just completed my first week at NR. I have the position of pool signaller, based at TBROC. My IST doesnt start until 8th January. I have been given a crosssing to learn and will hopefully be signed off as a crossing keeper before starting IST. I have a number of other days visiting sites and spending a few days with a LOM and MOM. I will also have two weeks of online study which they have provided a laptop for ready for the school. It's all go so far!

Thanks for update

Oh they can provide a laptop for the school?

 

[Lpf93]

Thanks for update

Oh they can provide a laptop for the school?

LOM discretion. Some will some won’t

 

[bigfis74]

Hi all,

I've applied to be a a level 3 signaller at Melton Mowbray. I have my interview later on this month at the grain store in Bedford, I think it's actually Bedford station itself.

To say I'm nervous about the whole process is an understatement. When it comes to interviews etc I really struggle to pull out the information that they want to hear.

I'm also having difficulty doing the online video assessment due to technical issues and it needs to be submitted before tomorrow.

Over the next week I'm going to heavily research the role and learn about Network Rail as a company.

I'm hoping hearing about other peoples experience will put me at ease. Is anyone able to reassure me that the interview won't be as bad as I'm expecting it to be. Also does anyone know anything about the signalling box in Melton Mowbray.

 

[Iddy015]

Hi all,

I've applied to be a a level 3 signaller at Melton Mowbray. I have my interview later on this month at the grain store in Bedford, I think it's actually Bedford station itself.

To say I'm nervous about the whole process is an understatement. When it comes to interviews etc I really struggle to pull out the information that they want to hear.

I'm also having difficulty doing the online video assessment due to technical issues and it needs to be submitted before tomorrow.

Over the next week I'm going to heavily research the role and learn about Network Rail as a company.

I'm hoping hearing about other peoples experience will put me at ease. Is anyone able to reassure me that the interview won't be as bad as I'm expecting it to be. Also does anyone know anything about the signalling box in Melton Mowbray.

Hi mate i passed the interview for the melton mowbray/ oakham area the interview is very laid back, they will make sure you are comfortable. Best thing is know the lifesaving rules and the safety promise, also when they ask you “name me a time where “ use the STAR sign method.

 

[bigfis74]

Hi mate i passed the interview for the melton mowbray/ oakham area the interview is very laid back, they will make sure you are comfortable. Best thing is know the lifesaving rules and the safety promise, also when they ask you “name me a time where “ use the STAR sign method.

Thank you, just always feel under a lot of pressure when I'm being interviewed. Did your interview recently?

I have emailed about the technical issues I'm having with the video assessment but no reply

 

[RailwayRookie]

Not much in all honesty, but it all depends on your LOM.

You have a two week e-learning course before IST but you can probably finish it in a couple of days if you went at it. Quite basic stuff, but do make notes as you'll be tested on it during your first week as IST. We were able to do it from home, but others were made to do at a Network Rail site.

My LOM arranged a couple of box visits, but it was literally a couple of hours spent in each one speaking to a signaller, and at that stage most of it will go over your head.

Another few on my course had a more significant wait and were signed off as crossing keepers whilst waiting, even managing to get in some over-time before starting IST.

Best to ask your LOM what the arrangements will be as it will vary. I got quite lucky as aside from the e-learning and box visits it was essentially three weeks of paid leave.

Thanks for the reply.

I've my pre-IST already as a mix of home and on site days with some infrastructure visits thrown in for good measure. Now I'm just waiting for January to start IST proper.

But it seems like a lot of paid leave is the case, not that I'm complaining.

 

[Iddy015]

Thank you, just always feel under a lot of pressure when I'm being interviewed. Did your interview recently?

I have emailed about the technical issues I'm having with the video assessment but no reply

Yes mate had my interview recently, and who did you contact regarding the video assessment, hopefully they should reply back on Monday

 

[Dread Pirate]

Hi all,

I've applied to be a a level 3 signaller at Melton Mowbray. I have my interview later on this month at the grain store in Bedford, I think it's actually Bedford station itself.

To say I'm nervous about the whole process is an understatement. When it comes to interviews etc I really struggle to pull out the information that they want to hear.

I'm also having difficulty doing the online video assessment due to technical issues and it needs to be submitted before tomorrow.

Over the next week I'm going to heavily research the role and learn about Network Rail as a company.

I'm hoping hearing about other peoples experience will put me at ease. Is anyone able to reassure me that the interview won't be as bad as I'm expecting it to be. Also does anyone know anything about the signalling box in Melton Mowbray.

Hi mate I interviewed last month and got the job. It was very laid back. They asked me a question from
Each of the non technical skills list. Like. Tell me a time when you did …

The life saving rules never came up once in my interview which I was fuming about because I’d memorised them so much!

Good luck and it’s easy to say but try and relax. Dress smart and just be yourself. Be a real person not a question answering robot. They will guide you to the answer the best they can if you’re struggling. There will be 2 people in there one asking the questions and the other taking notes. Good luck!

 

[dave112]

12hr shifts, very very quiet. Lovely scenery to keep you interested though.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Nov 2023 ==



Relief is as low as 4% upto 32%.

ROC relief is 4%.

How many trains per hour? I assume that's 12hr days and nights?are they open on Sundays?

 

[Signal_Box]

How many trains per hour? I assume that's 12hr days and nights?are they open on Sundays?

Yes 24/7 operation and 12hrs.

2 tph, Avonmouth two per hour, Severn Beach every other hour - I think odd hour Severn Beach is an extended Avonmouth if that makes sense.

A few freights per day, although you won’t see them from the box - three level crossings to operate via cctv.

 

[bigfis74]

Yes mate had my interview recently, and who did you contact regarding the video assessment, hopefully they should reply back on Monday

I contacted the third party video assessment people and then have also emailed network rail support too

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Nov 2023 ==

Hi mate I interviewed last month and got the job. It was very laid back. They asked me a question from
Each of the non technical skills list. Like. Tell me a time when you did …

The life saving rules never came up once in my interview which I was fuming about because I’d memorised them so much!

Good luck and it’s easy to say but try and relax. Dress smart and just be yourself. Be a real person not a question answering robot. They will guide you to the answer the best they can if you’re struggling. There will be 2 people in there one asking the questions and the other taking notes. Good luck!

Congrats on getting the job, will you be based out of Melton? Did it take you long to hear back?

Thank you, I'll definitely be doing a lot of preparation work for the interview over the coming week.

I'm hoping it's more of an informal conversation/chat rather than a stressful interview process. did you have to go to Bedford too?

 

[Equalizer]

Hi mate I interviewed last month and got the job. It was very laid back. They asked me a question from
Each of the non technical skills list. Like. Tell me a time when you did …

The life saving rules never came up once in my interview which I was fuming about because I’d memorised them so much!

Good luck and it’s easy to say but try and relax. Dress smart and just be yourself. Be a real person not a question answering robot. They will guide you to the answer the best they can if you’re struggling. There will be 2 people in there one asking the questions and the other taking notes. Good luck!

Haha mine was the same and was slightly annoyed too about nothing on life saving rules as I started dreaming about them before interview

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Nov 2023 ==

I contacted the third party video assessment people and then have also emailed network rail support too

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Nov 2023 ==


Congrats on getting the job, will you be based out of Melton? Did it take you long to hear back?

Thank you, I'll definitely be doing a lot of preparation work for the interview over the coming week.

I'm hoping it's more of an informal conversation/chat rather than a stressful interview process. did you have to go to Bedford too?

It is more a informal chat then a interrogation.

Just make sure you understand the role and use examples from your experience in star method that comes close to what the job role soft skills are.

Dress smart, I went in full suit, but shirt and tie is fine

And remember to get a good night's sleep before and have some notes to reference

Good luck

 

[Ollie7]

Couple

Some areas have implemented it differently.
Essentially you can only work up to 60 hours in a rolling 7 day period. Some areas are strict with this and won’t let you go over, other areas, if nobody else can cover the shift will allow you to go up to 72 hours as long as your LOM has done a fatigue risk assessment for you (which will basically be ‘are you happy working 72 hours in a 7 day period?’

I’ve applied for a grade 6 signaller role and passed the online test for a grade 6 what does that mean exactly do you need previous experience it doesn’t say anywhere

 

[Lpf93]

Couple

I’ve applied for a grade 6 signaller role and passed the online test for a grade 6 what does that mean exactly do you need previous experience it doesn’t say anywhere

Nah you don’t need experience. You’ll go to signal school for 10 weeks then once you’ve passed that you’ll go to your location to train there until you ‘pass out’ as competent