A career as a signaller

[rdh-eld]

It all depends on the person who's looking at the applications. I found this when I applied for 2 different openings (both grade 2 boxes) at the start of last year, one I got an interview for and the other one I didn't.

Didn't make sense so I asked for feedback and for the one I didn't get an interview for I basically hadn't bigged up network rail enough in my application answers but the same application was good enough for an interview for the other role.

Whats wierd about this is its the same box! Will need to wait and see and I'll hopefully hear something about my place on the reserve list too, fingers crossed.

 

[Lpf93]

Hello there!

I'm not sure if this is the right place to ask, so please let me know if I should go somewhere else. I'm starting my job as a signaler on Monday and I have a few questions.

Firstly, I received the Pre-learning course plan yesterday, and it seems like for the first 2 weeks, each day only requires a maximum of 3 hours. Is that all I will need to do for those days?

Also, during Signal school, I'll be in York. Could you tell me which hotel I'll be staying in? I only live an hour away, so I'd rather take the train. But if the hotel is far from the station, it might be better to drive. Does the hotel have a gym?

Thank you so much for your help!

They have loads of different hotels, most have a gym but not all. Best off asking your LOM what hotel they’ve got you in when you start pre IST and they’ll sort train tickets for you too. York ROC has a gym there but I don’t think it’s a good one. Had the usual health and safety gym equipment so no free weights etc.

Take your time with the Pre IST stuff as I believe you have an exam on it at the end of week 1 at IST but it is all basic stuff that week

 

[SIMONGUZZA@GMA]

Got an email today saying I’ve been placed on a reserve list for a vacancy. Do people often get a phone call with an offer after being placed on this list?

I got placed on the reserve list, forgot all about it, then 2 months later I had the call after someone had pulled out.
It was my first day on Monday, so don't give up hope !

 

[JH9]

Is anyone else on IST in Preston in April? Had my start date and employee number through today

 

[kenny01]

Recently passed IST, feel free to PM any questions you may have.

 

[ajs101]

Recently passed IST, feel free to PM any questions you may have.

Many congrats! What would you say was your most effective revision technique?

 

[Napier]

Oh good, let’s hope there’s a willingness on both sides to be sensible and not drag it out for months.

Well as they've virtually finished with the abolision of the tupe'd maintenance contracts and by the end of the year most will be on the prfered contract I believe is the GTRM one, they'll be coming for the Op's side next in true machete swinging fashion, a mondernising management document has done the under the counter rounds in GSH, the introduction on N&E of the 60 hour roster (that will make you more fatigued and feel like you are never away from work), has had some mixed reviews mostly negative chit chat amongst the cohort, however they don't have the balls to tell management the truth and just nod their head head and say yes all is good here.

Back to the original point they'll drag it out as long as they can!

Yes but no idea when, it’s nothing major just a couple days changed for the fatigue index

Didn't know Scotland were employing the 60hr roster, we were told that they wouldn't be.

 

[The Puddock]

Didn't know Scotland were employing the 60hr roster, we were told that they wouldn't be.

It was originally binned in Scotland as being too expensive/complicated but in the last two months of 2023 there was suddenly a major panic to get it implemented as soon as possible this year. I don't know what's driving that, whether it's pressure coming from ORR or Network Rail, but there's a lot of frantic activity going on at the moment to try and bring it in.

 

[Napier]

It was originally binned in Scotland as being too expensive/complicated but in the last two months of 2023 there was suddenly a major panic to get it implemented as soon as possible this year. I don't know what's driving that, whether it's pressure coming from ORR or Network Rail, but there's a lot of frantic activity going on at the moment to try and bring it in.

Yes we had that too, desperate to get it over the line for last October to start early this month, kinda wonder if the role clarity achievement goals from the project manager was required as exceeded for a PRPR!

 

[watty30000]

Recently passed IST, feel free to PM any questions you may have.

Well done! If you don’t mind me asking, have you just recently passed IST for the Arbroath/Craigo/Stoney vacancy from the end of 22? I applied for that but was unsuccessful…

 

[CarryOnThrough]

I started on Monday. No IT access first day, so played catchup yesterday. Today was a visit to IST location, next week visit the ROC, with box visits thrown in too.

E-learning is just one aspect of the first two weeks. It’s not as heavy as we all anticipate IST to be though.

You're right in your anticipation. The pre-learning could be revamped somewhat in my opinion, some of it is extremely useful and relevant but other stuff just seems like filler material, and it is hard to work out which is which. Your WDS should go over the relevant stuff for your Week 1 exam, which in comparison to your Week 5 and Week 9 exam is a walk in the park.

IST can be pretty intense, but so long as you put in the effort it is manageable. Just make sure to go over each day's material every evening back at the hotel until it starts to sink in. If you leave independent studying and revision too late you you can find yourself in trouble.

And don't neglect your time on the simulator, particularly coming up to exams where you might feel inclined to miss sessions to focus on revision. Your observations will soon creep up, so make sure you're also on top of your practical skills and communication as well as your theory. Both go hand in hand, simulator sessions can also make decent revision sessions.

 

[kenny01]

Well done! If you don’t mind me asking, have you just recently passed IST for the Arbroath/Craigo/Stoney vacancy from the end of 22? I applied for that but was unsuccessful…

Hi.

No, Perthshire area. I was unsuccessful on that application.

 

[Reetzaboi]

What’s the highest percentage anyone has got in an ist or tbc exam?

 

[ROCsteadycrew]

What’s the highest percentage anyone has got in an ist or tbc exam?

100% IST (numerous times), if you're asking about about the TCB conversion course then I would bet someone has got 100% in that too.

 

[kenny01]

Many congrats! What would you say was your most effective revision technique?

Everyone had different study techniques but I found flash cards the best way for me. Especially sitting in a group in the evening firing questions at each other.

 

[mx612]

Hi Guys,

I have an interview on the 25th of Jan for a Signaller grade 2 role got the confirmation email of time and date and was advised they would send further information at a later date but not heard back since the 14th of Jan and my interview is on Thursday. Do you think I should receive something by today?


many thanks

 

[Dread Pirate]

Hi Guys,

I have an interview on the 25th of Jan for a Signaller grade 2 role got the confirmation email of time and date and was advised they would send further information at a later date but not heard back since the 14th of Jan and my interview is on Thursday. Do you think I should receive something by today?


many thanks

Just chase them up mate. They seem pretty helpful at the recruitment team and they’ll get back to you within a day usually.

 

[mx612]

Just chase them up mate. They seem pretty helpful at the recruitment team and they’ll get back to you within a day usually.

Thanks mate, will email them tomorrow. Congrats on the job by the way wish you luck.

 

[lukewynne]

Thanks for completing the assessments needed so far. We’re pleased to let you know that you’ve reached the standard for the vacancy and grade you've applied for.

The final stage before we shortlist for Assessment Centre is to provide us with evidence of your right to work, as well as proof of address. These essential criteria are checked only to confirm that the information on your application matches the evidence you provide and is not final. You can expect to provide original documents once again during the onboarding process, should you receive an offer.

Please log into the My Account Area, where you will see the link to upload your documents.

We’ll be in touch as soon as possible, to let you know if you've been shortlisted to attend our Assessment Centre. We allocate places depending on several things so, at this point, we aren’t able to guarantee a space at an Assessment Centre.

Hi all, just a quick question... is there a stage to attend an Assessment centre? I have read through this thread and not really seen anyone mention an assessment centre but have seen people mention a video interview/online assessment is that what the above is if I make the shortlist?

 

[Gaz3028]

Hi all, just a quick question... is there a stage to attend an Assessment centre? I have read through this thread and not really seen anyone mention an assessment centre but have seen people mention a video interview/online assessment is that what the above is if I make the shortlist?

The process seems to have changed recentley and they are using an outside company so it's all new.

 

[dave112]

Hi all, just a quick question... is there a stage to attend an Assessment centre? I have read through this thread and not really seen anyone mention an assessment centre but have seen people mention a video interview/online assessment is that what the above is if I make the shortlist?

i think it may be because they handle the apprenticeship and graduate schemes which have assesment days and have only recently taken on signallers and are using the same portal but not 100%.

 

[CoachB]

Hi all, just a quick question... is there a stage to attend an Assessment centre? I have read through this thread and not really seen anyone mention an assessment centre but have seen people mention a video interview/online assessment is that what the above is if I make the shortlist?

Since COVID network rail had been doing all the assessments and interviews online. However this process could well of changed since it's being handled by a third party now instead of being in house.

 

[Unic0rn]

I'm guessing this had probably been ask many times before, but is it possible to visit a Signalling Centre to see the role first hand, speak to staff and get a better understanding of the role?

 

[chrislfc]

I'm guessing this had probably been ask many times before, but is it possible to visit a Signalling Centre to see the role first hand, speak to staff and get a better understanding of the role?

Yep, I did exactly that. I emailed recruitment asking the question, they passed it on to the OM, who passed it to the LOM, who arranged for me to go out with a MOM to two boxes. I’d definitely recommend it.

 

[Tommo_97]

Hi all,

Been browsing this thread for some
time and it really helped me secure a position with Network Rail so thank you all for your help I applied for Grade 2 signaller Ashford - I start middle of next month.

I have a couple of questions:

I emailed recruitment regarding an IST start date as I haven’t heard anything about this prior and they’ve said beginning of July (but subject to change and awaiting final confirmation from management). This seems like quite a long time. What will I be doing in the mean time? I understand there’s E-learning and box visits etc. and I will find out for definite in a few weeks just wondering if anyone else has been in the same position?

Secondly from my understanding on this forum. And speaking to colleagues at work (I work at TBROC for a TOC currently) the grade 2 signalling jobs are for pool signallers. Can someone explain more of what that means for me, and what opportunities I may be presented with.

Any help on the above would be grateful.

Cheers

 

[chrislfc]

Hi all,

Been browsing this thread for some
time and it really helped me secure a position with Network Rail so thank you all for your help I applied for Grade 2 signaller Ashford - I start middle of next month.

I have a couple of questions:

I emailed recruitment regarding an IST start date as I haven’t heard anything about this prior and they’ve said beginning of July (but subject to change and awaiting final confirmation from management). This seems like quite a long time. What will I be doing in the mean time? I understand there’s E-learning and box visits etc. and I will find out for definite in a few weeks just wondering if anyone else has been in the same position?

Secondly from my understanding on this forum. And speaking to colleagues at work (I work at TBROC for a TOC currently) the grade 2 signalling jobs are for pool signallers. Can someone explain more of what that means for me, and what opportunities I may be presented with.

Any help on the above would be grateful.

Cheers

You’ll (usually) begin employment two weeks before IST begins.

I’m in the same position as you, Grade 2 pool. We’ve been recruited into the area ahead of the 60 hour working week kicking in (whenever that may be!). No one has a box to go to at the end of IST, we’re encouraged to apply for any vacancies that appear internally during IST.

We’ve already been warned the first year or so could be a bit messy, plugging gaps etc until securing a permanent location. But, providing we come through IST, we all have a job and we’ll all get paid.

 

[Tommo_97]

You’ll (usually) begin employment two weeks before IST begins.

I’m in the same position as you, Grade 2 pool. We’ve been recruited into the area ahead of the 60 hour working week kicking in (whenever that may be!). No one has a box to go to at the end of IST, we’re encouraged to apply for any vacancies that appear internally during IST.

We’ve already been warned the first year or so could be a bit messy, plugging gaps etc until securing a permanent location. But, providing we come through IST, we all have a job and we’ll all get paid.

Thanks for that. See that’s the bit that’s a bit strange because I start employment with them will in advance of what they are proposing my start date for IST to be. I know it’s not unheard of, but does seem quite rare. Assuming they have something in mind for me. I served a near on 3 month notice period from my current job so it was all known well in advance.

Are you going to be in the same area? And what’s this 60 hours week? How’s that differ to what’s currently in place?

I guess for the most part I’ll just have to sit tight and find out for certain in a couple of weeks with what’s happening. I’ve been following this thread quite closely and already being Railway understand that it could be a bit rocky but that’s okay because the positives outweigh any potential negatives for me personally. And it’ll be well worth it in the long run! Fingers crossed IST goes well.

I’m assuming also that the “grade 2” pool is more of a training wage. And that there may be an opportunity when applying for internal vacancies to secure a higher grade job?

 

[RailwayRookie]

Thanks for that. See that’s the bit that’s a bit strange because I start employment with them will in advance of what they are proposing my start date for IST to be.

I’m assuming also that the “grade 2” pool is more of a training wage. And that there may be an opportunity when applying for internal vacancies to secure a higher grade job?

To expand on these points.. I was hired three months in advance of IST and done my pre IST in the first two weeks on site. After that a 'Professional Development Specialist' would invite me on a some infrastructure visits. I spoke to my LOM weekly and they were okay with me not doing anything as they had nothing for me on most occasions. Excluding pre IST. I was doing Railway related activities for maybe 4 days out of three months.

As for Grade 2, the training rate is grade 2 but there is every chance you are hired Into a specific grade 2 box also, The LOM for the area may wait to see who passes IST and assign boxes geographically. You would have to speak to them about what the situation is, but you can also apply for higher graded positions while training. Assuming they are the same type of signalling you are going to IST for.. (Absolute Block/ NX/ VDU)

 

[Joem90]

Hi Guys,

I have an interview on the 25th of Jan for a Signaller grade 2 role got the confirmation email of time and date and was advised they would send further information at a later date but not heard back since the 14th of Jan and my interview is on Thursday. Do you think I should receive something by today?


many thanks

Good luck in your interview tomorrow! Have an interview for a grade 2 role coming up soon as well, would be interested to hear how you got on/what to expect etc.

Many thanks!

 

[JustG]

I've also got my interview tomorrow in Doncaster. Never received a confirmation email either, so hopefully they are expecting me!