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A career as a signaller

9tfrizzco

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Joined
17 Oct 2019
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115
Location
worthing
Word has it they simply take the highest test scores for interview but I don't think that's true. That implies you could just write whatever down on the 69 questions and still get an interview, because if I'm not mistaken everybody who applies gets the three tests. 69 questions are clearly very important
 
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Wanderer84

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8 Apr 2017
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32
Location
Fareham
Recruitment ban on band 1-4 posts until May is on a pre-recorded message on the recruitment call centre. I’m not sure how bands translates into signallers grades though? I had an email today letting me know that one of two basically identical crossing keeper roles had been withdrawn and the other is still running! Luckily I put in for both but I’m now in fear of the other one closing!! Of course I would then still need to get an interview...!




interesting! With everyone moving up the grades?
I'm guessing that was grain/stone vacancies. I got it too. It might just have been an admin error, the position was advertised twice (or there were 2 positions available).
 

WoollyMammoth

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1 Sep 2019
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95
Location
London
I don’t think we’re regarded as bands...?

All crossing keepers moving up into signaller grades proper yes.


The temporary freeze until June affects non business-critical band 1 to 4 roles only so nothing to do with the signaller grades. It has been brought in to allow managers displaced by the current “Putting Passengers First” reorg to be placed in appropriate jobs. No need to worry about it if you are applying for a signaller role.


I'm guessing that was grain/stone vacancies. I got it too. It might just have been an admin error, the position was advertised twice (or there were 2 positions available).

I think crossed wires - interestingly I put in for both of those vacancies and only had to do the 69 questions for one of the two. I thought it was a case of two vacancies for similar roles but different base stations but the one that was withdrawn was the one where I didn’t do the tests!
 

Wanderer84

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8 Apr 2017
Messages
32
Location
Fareham
Hey guys, quick (and possibly stupid) question...

I'm used to seeing applications with the status "application under consideration", but I've just applied to the 2 new vacancies in the Derby area.

I recieved the standard receipt emails, but the attachments were a different format or corrupted, and the status for both is "application under review".

I haven't seen this particular status before...
Is it just a rewording of the usual, or is there a possible issue?
 

Midlands_lad

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Joined
15 Jan 2020
Messages
98
Location
Staffordshire
Hi all I am hoping for some advice if possible regarding the NR pensions. I have been offered a formal offer and I am looking through all the paperwork this weekend. I noticed that there are three pensions you can choose from, is there a better pension scheme, I would love to hear peoples views on this please? Many thanks and I can’t wait to start my new career!
 

Rockhopper

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Joined
29 Apr 2019
Messages
736
Best to take advice from an independent financial adviser as everyone's circumstances are different.
 

headshot119

Established Member
Joined
31 Dec 2010
Messages
2,052
Location
Dubai
Best to take advice from an independent financial adviser as everyone's circumstances are different.

This! But just to add unless you've already got 5 years service with NR, or are moving from another railway employer, the only pension options open to you initially will be NRDC and CARE.

And yes unless you opt out, or opt for CARE you'll be auto enrolled in NRDC.
 

Peterperfect

Member
Joined
5 Apr 2018
Messages
88
Any advice or thoughts regarding York signaller school ?
Anyone any idea how many get through the course? ie pass rate?
It's not a holiday so dont go there thinking its 12 wks of partying. If your really academically gifted that will help but your learning theory and skills at a fast rate.

As for people failing it happens but you should get 2 chances to finish.
 

Wanderer84

Member
Joined
8 Apr 2017
Messages
32
Location
Fareham
Hey guys. I've just taken a trip up to Didcot Railway Centre, to have a look at the Swindon Panel where they have a simulation set up.

I thought I'd only be there for an hour or so...

5 hours later...

Definatwly worth a visit to get more of a feel for the operation of a PSB.
 

Hylo

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Joined
23 Feb 2020
Messages
18
Location
Grimsby
Hey all,

Spent the last few days reading this gargantuan thread, seriously helpful. Appreciate all that's contributed.

I've been offered an interview for Dorrington SB with many others at the stage prior. I wondered if anybody could tell me a little about it?
My understanding is, from this thread, that it's an unpopular box? Is there any particular reason? I've been trying to do my research and its seems to be an absolute block, manual levers box(?) working on 8 hour shifts that gets switched out at night. From what i can tell through google (I'd be relocating from Grimsby) it looks like a lovely area. What TOC's run through Dorrington? I must be searching the wrong thing but can find no info about it.

I would have liked to get a visit but my interview is next week and i'm on 12 hour shift work all week.

Thanks for anyone that can help.
 

Llanigraham

Established Member
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23 Mar 2013
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6,074
Location
Powys
Dorrington was going to be my Box when I started but got moved to Bromfield.
Correct, it isn't the most popular. The surroundings are not very nice, being an oil depot and it can be a hard box to work.
AB and IBS to Marshbrook, AB to Sutton Bridge.
TfW plus freight are the users, plus occasional excursions, mostly steam.
8 hour shifts but it has been known to work 12s on occasions.
Not sure if it is still there, but there used to be a cross over that hasn't been used for a long time.
 

desrudy

On Moderation
Joined
29 Jan 2020
Messages
99
Location
London
Anyone received actual offer email for York fv starting 4/5/20.

Nope , but if i remember correctly they said at the interview that we should receive an answer the 24/02/20 ( maybe it's the formal offer ) .
We just have to be patient .
 

Midlands_lad

Member
Joined
15 Jan 2020
Messages
98
Location
Staffordshire
Congrats on getting the job, WMSC is all 8 hour rosters with 12s on Sundays. The LOM should be able to send you the roster.
Thanks for that I am sure somebody said it was 12s that’s all. What is a typical 8 hour rota like I understand that they must differ but has anybody got a rota just to look at please?
 

ROCsteadycrew

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Joined
28 May 2019
Messages
43
Thanks for that I am sure somebody said it was 12s that’s all. What is a typical 8 hour rota like I understand that they must differ but has anybody got a rota just to look at please?
I thought somebody had posted that all ROCs / signalling centres were 12hr. Must have been mistaken, if someone has a list that would be most helpful!
 

Tom Quinne

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Joined
8 Jul 2017
Messages
2,225
I thought somebody had posted that all ROCs / signalling centres were 12hr. Must have been mistaken, if someone has a list that would be most helpful!

TVSC and SWCC are 12s, it’s unfortunately not universal.

Worse case is a mix of 8s and 12s
 

Hylo

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23 Feb 2020
Messages
18
Location
Grimsby
Correct, it isn't the most popular. The surroundings are not very nice, being an oil depot and it can be a hard box to work.

Thanks so much for the info Graham, hard box to work as in the levers themselves or the traffic?
My goal is to get into the career as a priority, would you say it's such an unpleasant box i'd be better waiting for another? I have apps for Carmarthen, Chester and Dalwhinne at Test completed with an app for Edale just started too.
 

nom de guerre

Member
Joined
24 Nov 2015
Messages
774
I thought somebody had posted that all ROCs / signalling centres were 12hr. Must have been mistaken, if someone has a list that would be most helpful!

Most ROCs are 12hr. Signalling centres are a mixture, although the majority remain 8s.

This thread could do with a couple of accompanying stickies, showing the current pay matrix, tips on how to research a signal box and an ongoing master list of box rosters.
 

Llanigraham

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23 Mar 2013
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6,074
Location
Powys
Thanks so much for the info Graham, hard box to work as in the levers themselves or the traffic?
My goal is to get into the career as a priority, would you say it's such an unpleasant box I'd be better waiting for another? I have apps for Carmarthen, Chester and Dalwhinne at Test completed with an app for Edale just started too.

Everyone says it just isn't a nice Box. Some of the lever runs are long, plus you've got the IBS. Traffic isn't that heavy, the only extra's over my Box are the Heart of Wales trains, but there aren't many of those a day.
Personally I would say go for it as it get's you a foot in the door.
 
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qwertyberty

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12 Feb 2020
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18
Location
London
Hi - how long do you get paid on the training grade salary for? Do you transfer onto your "true" grade salary right after signalling school or is there more training to be completed before you get off your training salary?
 

Llanigraham

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23 Mar 2013
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Hi - how long do you get paid on the training grade salary for? Do you transfer onto your "true" grade salary right after signalling school or is there more training to be completed before you get off your training salary?

You move onto the grade pay once you are signed off as being competent at your Box or Panel.
 
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gareth386

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Joined
20 Nov 2017
Messages
92
Hi - how long do you get paid on the training grade salary for? Do you transfer onto your "true" grade salary right after signalling school or is there more training to be completed before you get off your training salary?
After school you'll start your training in your location, then you get your full grade after you pass out of your box, or sign off on your workstation.
 
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