A career as a signaller

Rick1875 · 1 Jul 2020

amanda08 said:
About a week after closing date I received email saying I was to be interviewed. And it was done online due to Covid so that was easy

ffesti said:
My immediate next steps were around 2 months waiting (March and April, so they have an excuse!) followed by an automated notifcation with an invite to interview and then an email from the LOM giving details of how it would be done (microsoft teams)

hope this is ok. Just passed the shl online test. What are the next steps? Are they still doing assessment days during COVID outbrak. Thanks

RailUK Forums

Midlands_lad · 1 Jul 2020

High Dyke said:
Yes, the 24th July, and then every four weeks. I've added the next three pay days.

Code:

24 July 21 August 18 Sept.

Midlands_lad · 1 Jul 2020

Thank you

ILoveLamp · 1 Jul 2020

Rick1875 said:
hope this is ok. Just passed the shl online test. What are the next steps? Are they still doing assessment days during COVID outbrak. Thanks

Have a read over the last 10 or 15 pages of the thread, it is a question asked often, and especially during the pandemic as there has has been changes to some assessments and some delays but the info is all there. Hope this helps.

Rick1875 · 1 Jul 2020

ILoveLamp said:
Have a read over the last 10 or 15 pages of the thread, it is a question asked often, and especially during the pandemic as there has has been changes to some assessments and some delays but the info is all there. Hope this helps.

Great thank you

_Odo_ · 2 Jul 2020

Dave Tasty said:
Just a quick question. I recently applied for the North/East recruitment drive. Firstly, congrats to all those that were successful! Secondly, just wondering if anyone received a job offer for the North East Lincolnshire area. I am specifically talking about the imaginary corridor that runs below the Humber Estuary, from Immingham through Scunthorpe and as far west as Gainsborough/Retford. When I got my email update late last week it appears that I haven't really received a no or a yes. It looks as though I maybe in some sort of holding pattern until those jobs become live although the email is a little ambiguous. I have emailed the recruitment person for a bit more clarification - waiting a reply. I am just trying to figure out if there were any jobs in that area to begin with or I am part of a sort of "talent pool" for future opportunities. TIA.

It sounds like you and I are in the same boat - I also applied for the north and east recruitment drive, I'm also based in Lincolnshire, and I also still haven't had a definitive yes or no. I received the email that several others did saying I'd done really well in the assessments/interview and was into the allocation stage but when they were due to contact me, (the same couple of days that several people here reported being allocated positions or put onto a reserve list), I heard nothing at all. I contacted recruitment a couple of days later and was told they were still trying to find a position for me within a commutable distance.

A couple of weeks passed with no word, so I contacted them again and was told that they now expect positions to come up in this area by the end of the year and when they do, they will be in touch. I don't know if that means they will be in touch to offer me a position, or whether that means they will notify me that a position has come up and invite me to apply for it, but here's hoping. I guess we're both on some kind of list, just not quite sure what that list is. It's difficult being in limbo, not knowing if you should open the champagne or not!

I'd be interested to know if you find out any more information when they do reply to your request for more clarification.

TRain87 · 2 Jul 2020

Roland800 said:
Afternoon!

Hoping someone can help me. I have just applied for a job as a MOM, a role that looks very interesting. On the advert it said that an essential was a RIO and PTS qualification. Does this apply to externals? I think that I have a lot of the skills required but coming from outside the industry the RIO and PTS competencies are almost impossible to achieve. Would this be covered in the 7 week training period? Also, I can see that the salary is based on the signaller grade. Does this figure include weekends and nights or are MOM's subject to the same enhancements as signallers for theses hours. Many thanks.

Roly.

Morning

Course will cover PTS and RIO, so don't worry. Although not sure where you got 7 weeks from?!?

MOM course is nothing like signalling course - signalling is a block course with exams staggered throughout - MOM courses is about 20 separate courses, each competency is equal to a course. COSS is a 5 day course, RIO is 2.5 days...the rest are all 1 or half day courses. And you do these courses as an when they become available, so you could join network rail 1st August, and not have 1st course (PTS) til mid August, then you might not have next course until a week later (or longer still) - MOM training is very up in the air at the moment, so don't expect application to move fast!

Once you get in though, MOM job is the best on the railway

own boss, do what you want between shouts, socialise with all or no members of staff as you wish, a lovely orange uniform lol and we have manager in our title

remember that when dealing with pesky signallers 8-)

And yes, all shift enhancements are passed over to MOM role too

ffesti · 2 Jul 2020

TRain87 said:
Morning

Course will cover PTS and RIO, so don't worry. Although not sure where you got 7 weeks from?!?

MOM course is nothing like signalling course - signalling is a block course with exams staggered throughout - MOM courses is about 20 separate courses, each competency is equal to a course. COSS is a 5 day course, RIO is 2.5 days...the rest are all 1 or half day courses. And you do these courses as an when they become available, so you could join network rail 1st August, and not have 1st course (PTS) til mid August, then you might not have next course until a week later (or longer still) - MOM training is very up in the air at the moment, so don't expect application to move fast!

Once you get in though, MOM job is the best on the railway own boss, do what you want between shouts, socialise with all or no members of staff as you wish, a lovely orange uniform lol and we have manager in our title remember that when dealing with pesky signallers

And yes, all shift enhancements are passed over to MOM role too

Are MOMs on a set rota, like signalmen? I had it in my head that they are similar to relief

TRain87 · 2 Jul 2020

ffesti said:
Are MOMs on a set rota, like signalmen? I had it in my head that they are similar to relief

MOMs also have a roster, and we also have relief MOMs too - relief know what day they are working, but don't know where, or what shift. Resident MOMs can plan their year as they know days and shift...exactly the same as signallers

darth26 · 2 Jul 2020

Hey, has anybody been interviewed for Stoke or West Midlands SC?

Billyc87 · 2 Jul 2020

Hi all, just had the application under consideration for assessment 2, what does this normally signal?

Chumba · 2 Jul 2020

Billyc87 said:
Hi all, just had the application under consideration for assessment 2, what does this normally signal?

it means you passed the tests and you application is being considered to decide if you will be interviewed or not. If you then get invite to assessment 2 pending, that means you will be invited to an interview.

Rick1875 · 2 Jul 2020

Rick1875 · 2 Jul 2020

Can anyone explain the highlighted abbreviations? Thanks

Javagem · 2 Jul 2020

Rick1875 said:
Can anyone explain the highlighted abbreviations? Thanks

I believe they relate to the cost centre associated with the role. Nothing to do with grades etc.

Rick1875 · 2 Jul 2020

Javagem said:
I believe they relate to the cost centre associated with the role. Nothing to do with grades etc.

Oh ok thanks javagem. I’ve applied for a signaller job in Birmingham. Just had email to say I’ve passed the bench mark. Now waiting to to If I get selected for an interview

RailNoob · 2 Jul 2020

Hi All,
I have an interview coming up towards the end of this month for a grade 2 postion with the ongoing recruitment drive for signallers, I have done alot of research already and have memorised the 10 life saving rules, the safety moto, got some general information about the region im applying for and the company aswell as some projects coming up, I have also prepared examples for the 8 non technical skills! I am looking to see if there as anything else anyone feels I should revise or take into the interview with me as I really want this opportunity and would rather be over prepared than under prepared!

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Midlands_lad · 2 Jul 2020

darth26 said:
Hey, has anybody been interviewed for Stoke or West Midlands SC?

I had an interview at WMSC earlier in the year and was successful. The interviewers were extremely laid back and made you feel at ease instantly. I am very impressed with all aspects of WMSC so far so good luck with your application!

Mi&Li · 2 Jul 2020

_Odo_ said:
It sounds like you and I are in the same boat - I also applied for the north and east recruitment drive, I'm also based in Lincolnshire, and I also still haven't had a definitive yes or no. I received the email that several others did saying I'd done really well in the assessments/interview and was into the allocation stage but when they were due to contact me, (the same couple of days that several people here reported being allocated positions or put onto a reserve list), I heard nothing at all. I contacted recruitment a couple of days later and was told they were still trying to find a position for me within a commutable distance.

A couple of weeks passed with no word, so I contacted them again and was told that they now expect positions to come up in this area by the end of the year and when they do, they will be in touch. I don't know if that means they will be in touch to offer me a position, or whether that means they will notify me that a position has come up and invite me to apply for it, but here's hoping. I guess we're both on some kind of list, just not quite sure what that list is. It's difficult being in limbo, not knowing if you should open the champagne or not!

I'd be interested to know if you find out any more information when they do reply to your request for more clarification.

this sounds exactly the same as my situation, to the tee with timings and replies. I’m also in Lincolnshire and I too am unsure whether I should be celebrating or looking at other positions!

GMac1502 · 2 Jul 2020

RailNoob said:
Hi All,
I have an interview coming up towards the end of this month for a grade 2 postion with the ongoing recruitment drive for signallers, I have done alot of research already and have memorised the 10 life saving rules, the safety moto, got some general information about the region im applying for and the company aswell as some projects coming up, I have also prepared examples for the 8 non technical skills! I am looking to see if there as anything else anyone feels I should revise or take into the interview with me as I really want this opportunity and would rather be over prepared than under prepared!

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Hi, thats the kind of things i've been learning for my interview, dont think you'll go far wrong with what you've said, where is yous for?

RailNoob · 2 Jul 2020

GMac1502 said:
Hi, thats the kind of things i've been learning for my interview, dont think you'll go far wrong with what you've said, where is yous for?

Hi, my interview was meant to be pre lockdown but then got postponed due to climate im nervous but really excited at the same time as its been a long process already so hope I can get it across the line! Where are you interviewing for?

qwertyberty · 2 Jul 2020

RailNoob said:
Hi All,
I have an interview coming up towards the end of this month for a grade 2 postion with the ongoing recruitment drive for signallers, I have done alot of research already and have memorised the 10 life saving rules, the safety moto, got some general information about the region im applying for and the company aswell as some projects coming up, I have also prepared examples for the 8 non technical skills! I am looking to see if there as anything else anyone feels I should revise or take into the interview with me as I really want this opportunity and would rather be over prepared than under prepared!

Thanks in advance for any replies!

Don't forget/overlook the basic starter for 10 question...can you briefly describe what you think the job of a signaller is? I posted this a few pages back, I think it's very useful for newbies - https://www.networkrail.co.uk/campaigns/signalling-opportunities

RailNoob · 2 Jul 2020

qwertyberty said:
Don't forget/overlook the basic starter for 10 question...can you briefly describe what you think the job of a signaller is? I posted this a few pages back, I think it's very useful for newbies - https://www.networkrail.co.uk/campaigns/signalling-opportunities

Hi, I have been using this particular resource alot during my revision I am also quite blessed with the fact that I know a current signaller so I have been shredding them for info aswell but its a long time since he interviewed so just trying to get a feel for what to expect!

darth26 · 2 Jul 2020

Midlands_lad said:
I had an interview at WMSC earlier in the year and was successful. The interviewers were extremely laid back and made you feel at ease instantly. I am very impressed with all aspects of WMSC so far so good luck with your application!

Thank you

hopefully I will be invited

Major1494 · 2 Jul 2020

Just found out that I’ve passed all the pre-employment checks and will be starting October 5th at Knottingley. Chuffed to bits!

Defenestrate · 2 Jul 2020

RailNoob said:
Hi All,
I have an interview coming up towards the end of this month for a grade 2 postion with the ongoing recruitment drive for signallers, I have done alot of research already and have memorised the 10 life saving rules, the safety moto, got some general information about the region im applying for and the company aswell as some projects coming up, I have also prepared examples for the 8 non technical skills! I am looking to see if there as anything else anyone feels I should revise or take into the interview with me as I really want this opportunity and would rather be over prepared than under prepared!

Thanks in advance for any replies!

As previously mentioned, starter questions - why do you want to work for NR/be a signaller/leave your current job or a variation on that could start things off, so have a good answer to begin with a positive momentum.
Also think of the challenges/difficulties you may face, as there may be something to see if you understand what you've applied for rather than just £££.
Sounds like you have the safety aspect under control - perhaps you might want to look at a few of NR's campaigns to put things into perspective.
If you know where the job will be, then try to have an idea of what TOCs operate there, some stations within your area, any upgrades or major works planned or underway etc.

I had some vanilla interviews that had a few basic warm up questions, the 8 NTS, then a safety question.
Then another couple of interviews that asked some more detailed stuff about the specific area.

Some people say you could finish (or even start) with a paragraph summarising why you're the perfect fit, right for the job etc. When i practised doing that i thought it was too robotic, and i don't think it would have come across as genuinely as i'd have liked, so i never bothered.

RailNoob · 2 Jul 2020

Defenestrate said:
As previously mentioned, starter questions - why do you want to work for NR/be a signaller/leave your current job or a variation on that could start things off, so have a good answer to begin with a positive momentum.
Also think of the challenges/difficulties you may face, as there may be something to see if you understand what you've applied for rather than just £££.
Sounds like you have the safety aspect under control - perhaps you might want to look at a few of NR's campaigns to put things into perspective.
If you know where the job will be, then try to have an idea of what TOCs operate there, some stations within your area, any upgrades or major works planned or underway etc.

I had some vanilla interviews that had a few basic warm up questions, the 8 NTS, then a safety question.
Then another couple of interviews that asked some more detailed stuff about the specific area.

Some people say you could finish (or even start) with a paragraph summarising why you're the perfect fit, right for the job etc. When i practised doing that i thought it was too robotic, and i don't think it would have come across as genuinely as i'd have liked, so i never bothered.

Hi,

Thats really helpful thanks I have a rough idea what box I may be based in all going well but not certain I will scratch up on the rest of it and research some safety campaigns! Will report back with the result!

Thanks Again !

Dave Tasty · 2 Jul 2020

_Odo_ said:
It sounds like you and I are in the same boat - I also applied for the north and east recruitment drive, I'm also based in Lincolnshire, and I also still haven't had a definitive yes or no. I received the email that several others did saying I'd done really well in the assessments/interview and was into the allocation stage but when they were due to contact me, (the same couple of days that several people here reported being allocated positions or put onto a reserve list), I heard nothing at all. I contacted recruitment a couple of days later and was told they were still trying to find a position for me within a commutable distance.

A couple of weeks passed with no word, so I contacted them again and was told that they now expect positions to come up in this area by the end of the year and when they do, they will be in touch. I don't know if that means they will be in touch to offer me a position, or whether that means they will notify me that a position has come up and invite me to apply for it, but here's hoping. I guess we're both on some kind of list, just not quite sure what that list is. It's difficult being in limbo, not knowing if you should open the champagne or not!

I'd be interested to know if you find out any more information when they do reply to your request for more clarification.

That makes three of us for that area that have had the same experience. Does your application status still say assessment 2 complete? Will let you know if I hear anything.

Roland800 · 2 Jul 2020

ljmac said:
I'm fairly sure those competencies are part of the MOM course. Someone will be able to clarify this I am sure.
Yes they get the same enhancements as a Signaller.

TRain87 said:
Morning

Course will cover PTS and RIO, so don't worry. Although not sure where you got 7 weeks from?!?

MOM course is nothing like signalling course - signalling is a block course with exams staggered throughout - MOM courses is about 20 separate courses, each competency is equal to a course. COSS is a 5 day course, RIO is 2.5 days...the rest are all 1 or half day courses. And you do these courses as an when they become available, so you could join network rail 1st August, and not have 1st course (PTS) til mid August, then you might not have next course until a week later (or longer still) - MOM training is very up in the air at the moment, so don't expect application to move fast!

Once you get in though, MOM job is the best on the railway own boss, do what you want between shouts, socialise with all or no members of staff as you wish, a lovely orange uniform lol and we have manager in our title remember that when dealing with pesky signallers

And yes, all shift enhancements are passed over to MOM role too

Thanks chaps, appreciate the replies.

I got the 7 weeks from the advert. It states that there will be a 7 week training course as part of the induction process, so they may have ram-bundled all of the courses together. Will find that out should I make the sift. Once again thanks for the info.

Roly.

LOM · 2 Jul 2020

RailNoob said:
Hi All,
I have an interview coming up towards the end of this month for a grade 2 postion with the ongoing recruitment drive for signallers, I have done alot of research already and have memorised the 10 life saving rules, the safety moto, got some general information about the region im applying for and the company aswell as some projects coming up, I have also prepared examples for the 8 non technical skills! I am looking to see if there as anything else anyone feels I should revise or take into the interview with me as I really want this opportunity and would rather be over prepared than under prepared!

You are already far more prepared than 90% of signaller candidates I have ever interviewed.

A career as a signaller

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