A career as a signaller

[signalcat]

I just wanted to do a quick comprehensive post for those nervous about what the medical involves.
I had mine last week.
It was -
pee in a cup, they tested for a variety of drugs and the results were available in 5 minutes.
Breathalyser - immediate results
Sight test — like at an optician - letters on a board. Colour blind test using the dot cards and a peripheral vision test.
Hearing test - in a soundproof booth.
Height and weight - BMI “pass mark” is 30 I was told but they take into account your other general health markers. Mine was well over this so she said she would do a few extra physical motion tests.
Physical motion tests involved moving head to different positions and testing motion in back and waist by doing some bends and stretches. All were pretty straightforward (touching toes, turning at the waist).
Blood pressure test.
Quite a few questions about medical history.
The OH lady was very nice and put me at ease.

I was advised that if there are any borderline issues they can sometimes speak to the onboarding team straight away so that they can get it resolved but occasionally they might have to let people leave without an answer on the day. Mostly they try to tell you if you’ve met the standard straight away.

I hope this is helpful to those getting the medical soon. I scoured the boards and saw different parts (relating to different tests) in multiple places so wanted to put it all together.

 

[SuperLuke2334]

I've just had my overview through for the eLearning to be completed before IST. Just awaiting confirmation that all my checks are complete and then hopefully I will be good to start in August!

 

[signalcat]

I've just had my overview through for the eLearning to be completed before IST. Just awaiting confirmation that all my checks are complete and then hopefully I will be good to start in August!

Congratulations. I’m in a similar situation. I’m ready to get started now!

 

[Brett55]

Well in pal! When’s your conversion for tcb?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 17 Jul 2024 ==



A very nice box indeed, very spacious

Cheers bud. Got my TCB in Birmingham in September. going to get some time in a box to unwind for a couple of months.

 

[1642]

Evening all, I have an interview for Paisley relief at West of Scotland and looking for any information about the area the role covers? Can’t seem to find anything anywhere. Thanks in advance.

 

[godfreycomplex]

Evening all, I have an interview for Paisley relief at West of Scotland and looking for any information about the area the role covers? Can’t seem to find anything anywhere. Thanks in advance.

Evening!

AFAIK Paisley link at WSSC covers Paisley and Ayr desks

Paisley desk covers Hillington West - Dalry, Gourock & Wemyss Bay. Fringes to Shields and Ayr desks

Ayr desk covers Dalry - Belmont (just south of Ayr), to Largs & Ardrossan Harbour, and from Barassie - Gatehead. Fringes to Paisley desk and single crewed boxes at Kilkerran, Mauchline & Kilmarnock. 2 CCTV crossings at Saltcoats and Belmont, plus an AHB at Gailes

Best of luck!

 

[1642]

Evening!

AFAIK Paisley link at WSSC covers Paisley and Ayr desks

Paisley desk covers Hillington West - Dalry, Gourock & Wemyss Bay. Fringes to Shields and Ayr desks

Ayr desk covers Dalry - Belmont (just south of Ayr), to Largs & Ardrossan Harbour, and from Barassie - Gatehead. Fringes to Paisley desk and single crewed boxes at Kilkerran, Mauchline & Kilmarnock. 2 CCTV crossings at Saltcoats and Belmont, plus an AHB at Gailes

Best of luck!

Perfect thank you! Much appreciated

 

[Jordan4321]

Hi all, I know this is the signaller forum but I was wondering if anyone knew if Train delay attributors do on the job training or a residential course like signallers, thanks in advance

 

[LW17]

Had my interview yesterday at Chester. It was a full hour interview with one guy asking the questions and the other guy taking the notes. I done my best and was able to get across most of what I had learnt about the role and the company. Anyone know when i'm likely to hear back? The last interview slot to book was next Thursday 1st so I presume after that maybe?

 

[SuperLuke2334]

Had my interview yesterday at Chester. It was a full hour interview with one guy asking the questions and the other guy taking the notes. I done my best and was able to get across most of what I had learnt about the role and the company. Anyone know when i'm likely to hear back? The last interview slot to book was next Thursday 1st so I presume after that maybe?

If the last slot is next Thursday then I wouldn't expect to hear until after that. Once that time has come though it can be anything from a couple of days to a few weeks!

 

[mx612]

Finally completed 12 weeks IST training aswell Tcb conversion course have to say was very hard course to complete but if you put the work in each day and give up some of your free time you should be able to pass with ease. Good luck to everyone starting their IST journey.

 

[endofthetunnel]

Hi all, I know this is the signaller forum but I was wondering if anyone knew if Train delay attributors do on the job training or a residential course like signallers, thanks in advance

A TDA job is nothing like signalling, no rules and regs, it’s just a week or so of on the job training in the office and some e-learning.

 

[jazzalaa]

Finally completed 12 weeks IST training aswell Tcb conversion course have to say was very hard course to complete but if you put the work in each day and give up some of your free time you should be able to pass with ease. Good luck to everyone starting their IST journey.

Well done! Relieved I bet.

I start IST in September.

 

[signalcat]

Finally completed 12 weeks IST training aswell Tcb conversion course have to say was very hard course to complete but if you put the work in each day and give up some of your free time you should be able to pass with ease. Good luck to everyone starting their IST journey.

Congratulations. I start on Monday with IST starting in 2 weeks. It’s good to hear that it’s doable, I’m nervous about taking this leap as I’ve left a decent job to make a career change so I have to pass!!

 

[RailNoob]

Had my interview yesterday at Chester. It was a full hour interview with one guy asking the questions and the other guy taking the notes. I done my best and was able to get across most of what I had learnt about the role and the company. Anyone know when i'm likely to hear back? The last interview slot to book was next Thursday 1st so I presume after that maybe?

Congrats on the interview, management in Chester are pretty good I'm sure once they make a decision you will know if it was a yes or a no quickly I personally waited around 2 weeks for the yes !

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 26 Jul 2024 ==

Finally completed 12 weeks IST training aswell Tcb conversion course have to say was very hard course to complete but if you put the work in each day and give up some of your free time you should be able to pass with ease. Good luck to everyone starting their IST journey.

Congratulations on passing now time to get your head into the box !

 

[deeneyweb]

Finally completed 12 weeks IST training aswell Tcb conversion course have to say was very hard course to complete but if you put the work in each day and give up some of your free time you should be able to pass with ease. Good luck to everyone starting their IST journey.

Well done, I’m on week 8 of 10 next week. I agree with your comments, it is a hard course and hoping I’ll get through it.

 

[Reets]

Hi all, wonder if someone could help please? I’ve got an interview at Baglan Depot, I’ve done a recce today and the post code given by network rail has taken me to a residential area. It’s taken me left off the roundabout after the station. Can anyone tell me how to get there, please? The postcode they provided was SA12 7PA

 

[signalcat]

Hi all, wonder if someone could help please? I’ve got an interview at Baglan Depot, I’ve done a recce today and the post code given by network rail has taken me to a residential area. It’s taken me left off the roundabout after the station. Can anyone tell me how to get there, please? The postcode they provided was SA12 7PA

Hi, I was at Baglan for my medical but the post code was SA12 7AZ. It might not be the same place but I’ve put the directions to that below just in case as it was basically on the opposite side of the road to your postcode.

They gave me the “what three words” and it was much more helpful than the postcode (than.today.frost). If you have those try putting those into the what three words app.



Coming from Cardiff J41 of M4 first exit off the roundabout. It was on the industrial estate which is on the right at the first roundabout but you have to go up to the second roundabout and come back on yourself, it will then be on your left. First exit off the roundabout.
In the industrial estate straight over first round about (2nd exit), then first exit off the second roundabout. The Network Rail gate is on your right. The sign is grey, not orange as I expected so it really doesn’t jump out at you. You have to pull up to the gate and get out of the car and go to the intercom.

 

[Reets]

Hi, I was at Baglan for my medical but the post code was SA12 7AZ. It might not be the same place but I’ve put the directions to that below just in case as it was basically on the opposite side of the road to your postcode.

They gave me the “what three words” and it was much more helpful than the postcode (than.today.frost). If you have those try putting those into the what three words app.



Coming from Cardiff J41 of M4 first exit off the roundabout. It was on the industrial estate which is on the right at the first roundabout but you have to go up to the second roundabout and come back on yourself, it will then be on your left. First exit off the roundabout.
In the industrial estate straight over first round about (2nd exit), then first exit off the second roundabout. The Network Rail gate is on your right. The sign is grey, not orange as I expected so it really doesn’t jump out at you. You have to pull up to the gate and get out of the car and go to the intercom.

Thankyou so much. I’ll take another drive there later today. It seemed odd that it was a residential area, thought maybe it would be further down towards the hospital, spent a while driving around & my sat nav was not really helpful!

 

[High Dyke]

Hi all, wonder if someone could help please? I’ve got an interview at Baglan Depot, I’ve done a recce today and the post code given by network rail has taken me to a residential area. It’s taken me left off the roundabout after the station. Can anyone tell me how to get there, please? The postcode they provided was SA12 7PA

Could this be the location?

Network Rail
Baglan Energy Park, Central Avenue, Baglan, Port Talbot
SA12 7AX

 

[Reets]

Could this be the location?

Network Rail
Baglan Energy Park, Central Avenue, Baglan, Port Talbot
SA12 7AX

It seems so. I’ve had another postcode from network rail today, but I’ve already been up and located it, so thankfully that’s one less stress to take off the day

 

[Ferretrugby]

Hi all,

I recently interviewed for a grade 4 at kilmarnock I was informed yesterday I had been unsuccessful in getting the post but was advised I was suitable for the role and placed on the suitable no vacancies list.
Does anybody have experience in being offered a post when in this position? Does it happen often?
Thanks

Ross

 

[Swanseajack91]

SA12 7AX was definitely the postcode the nice lady who interviewed me said loads of people have trouble finding the place.
Was a good experience very laid back chilled interview stand tell me a time when questions and what do you know about the signaller job etc. feel it went ok but you never know with interviews! Good luck to anyone else.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 5 Aug 2024 ==

question for anyone who currently does the role, is the 3 X 12 hour shifts a week? if so can I work 1 or 2 days extra a week? what sort of wage are people taking home with a bit of OT and enhancements?

 

[superdic]

Long time lurker first time poster here.

Finally got my start date for G7 signaller role @TVSC.

Just seeing if there is anyone else starting at that location at a similar time, been given a start date at the end of October with IST commencing on the 11th November although no location confirmed as of yet so guessing that date could change?

Just got an email mention that the IST will commence on 11th Nov as well.

Seems we will be classmates

 

[RailwayRookie]

question for anyone who currently does the role, is the 3 X 12 hour shifts a week? if so can I work 1 or 2 days extra a week? what sort of wage are people taking home with a bit of OT and enhancements?

Not all 12hr rosters are the same but in a 24/7 box you average 3 days a week.
Generally you work 2 or 3 days consecutively and have anywhere between 2 and 5 days off, your roster clerk will be able to give you an example roster if you ask.

You can do extra shifts as long as they are available, residents get first refusal at my location, then flexis etc. And as long as you aren't going to go over your 7 days, 60hrs rolling limit.

As for pay, you said elsewhere its a grade 3, with just the allowances you can expect to put a safe 25% on top.

 

[muz379]

question for anyone who currently does the role, is the 3 X 12 hour shifts a week? if so can I work 1 or 2 days extra a week? what sort of wage are people taking home with a bit of OT and enhancements?

There are only so many iterations of a roster that can be put together for a 12 hour box . If it is 24/7 coverage then yes you will do 3X12hr booked shifts every week . Apart from every 12th week when you only do 2 days . Because the contract is 35hrs but 3X12=36hrs .

A fairly typical pattern is

W1 Mon Tue Wed Day
W2 Thur Fri Sat Night
W3 Thur Fri Sat Day
W4 Mon Tue Wed Night
And it repeats . With you getting an extra wednesday Day shift off every 12th week

With regards working 1 or 2 days extra a week . I wouldn't bank on the rest days being that frequent . Especially if the box and area is fully staffed with no vacancies in the box or on the relief . You might find during summer months when everyone is taking their holidays you get offered more than other times .

Where you will make your money is sundays . If it is a 12hr 24/7 box with 4 residents you should have a booked sunday every other week . At Grade 3 your sunday day is worth around £355 and the sunday night is worth around £340 . This is outside your working week/base salary . Hours worked on a sunday are paid at 1.5X standard hourly rate . This includes the hours you do after midnight on a saturday night shift .

Your other enhancements will be 10% extra for night hours (after 22:00 until 06:00) So if you work 18:00-06:00 nights the enhancement will be about £15 a shift at G3 . Which doesnt sound like a lot but still adds up .

You will also get an annual payment to make up your Holiday pay to your actual average wage .

 

[Asp112233]

Hi all,

I'm due to start on the 16th September but have a few question...

- Are we to use our own laptops for the 2 weeks of home elearning?
- Obviously little kit is required as a signaller, but do we get anything when starting IST? Phone, laptop ect.
- Is uniform provided or is it pretty much casual?
- What times do classes at IST run from/too?

Anything else I should know to put my mind at ease would be much appreciated. Raring to go!

 

[Swanseajack91]

There are only so many iterations of a roster that can be put together for a 12 hour box . If it is 24/7 coverage then yes you will do 3X12hr booked shifts every week . Apart from every 12th week when you only do 2 days . Because the contract is 35hrs but 3X12=36hrs .

A fairly typical pattern is

W1 Mon Tue Wed Day
W2 Thur Fri Sat Night
W3 Thur Fri Sat Day
W4 Mon Tue Wed Night
And it repeats . With you getting an extra wednesday Day shift off every 12th week

With regards working 1 or 2 days extra a week . I wouldn't bank on the rest days being that frequent . Especially if the box and area is fully staffed with no vacancies in the box or on the relief . You might find during summer months when everyone is taking their holidays you get offered more than other times .

Where you will make your money is sundays . If it is a 12hr 24/7 box with 4 residents you should have a booked sunday every other week . At Grade 3 your sunday day is worth around £355 and the sunday night is worth around £340 . This is outside your working week/base salary . Hours worked on a sunday are paid at 1.5X standard hourly rate . This includes the hours you do after midnight on a saturday night shift .

Your other enhancements will be 10% extra for night hours (after 22:00 until 06:00) So if you work 18:00-06:00 nights the enhancement will be about £15 a shift at G3 . Which doesnt sound like a lot but still adds up .

You will also get an annual payment to make up your Holiday pay to your actual average wage .

Thanks really good information, I guess its just a case of waiting to see if I get the position now. would be really keen to get in and learn the job!

 

[lambo79]

Hi all,

I'm due to start on the 16th September but have a few question...

- Are we to use our own laptops for the 2 weeks of home elearning?
- Obviously little kit is required as a signaller, but do we get anything when starting IST? Phone, laptop ect.
- Is uniform provided or is it pretty much casual?
- What times do classes at IST run from/too?

Anything else I should know to put my mind at ease would be much appreciated. Raring to go!

Congratulations on reaching this far, you've done well.

Yes you use your own laptop for the home e-learning although if this is an issue speak to your line manager and they may arrange a desk at your local office or to borrow a laptop.

You don't need anything for IST. I took paper, pens, highlighters and blank flash cards. Also folders to organising notes but that's just me. Paper and pens are provided if needed.

Uniform depends on your location but it is provided if needed. If not then casual.

IST for me ran Mon 0930-1530, Tues-Thur 0900-1530, Fri 0900-1200. You will have some sim sessions before and after class, probably three times per week, so you can end up staying as late as you wish. You can go away and come back if you wish, you're your own boss in this regard but I'd strongly advise using as much time on the SIM as possible as it's the best way of learning. Oher evenings you'll be revising in your hotel, I would work until 2130.

It's a tough course but it's taught well. It can be daunting especially if, like me, you know nothing at the start but trust the process, work hard, revise hard in the evening and put in the effort. Make sure you have some time off at the weekend though, you were some switch off time.

Good luck and enjoy.

 

[deeneyweb]

Hi all,

I'm due to start on the 16th September but have a few question...

- Are we to use our own laptops for the 2 weeks of home elearning?
- Obviously little kit is required as a signaller, but do we get anything when starting IST? Phone, laptop ect.
- Is uniform provided or is it pretty much casual?
- What times do classes at IST run from/too?

Anything else I should know to put my mind at ease would be much appreciated. Raring to go!

Hi
A few answers below.

I used my own laptop for the e-learning I was not offered a NWR laptop. You can to it on a smartphone or iPad also.

You don’t get a phone but I did get some NWR T-shirts and polo shirts and fleece’s when I asked.

IST times are lessons from 9:00 to 16:00 with tea and lunch breaks. Then you will have SIM sessions early or late which is normally 2 hours so a 07:00-09:00 or 16:00-18:00 ish.

Once you get going though you will probably be in revising from 08:00 ish even when not on sim and most evenings will be at least a few hours revising.

Cheers