A career as a signaller

[Wombat123]

Would anyone know if there are any vacancies on the horizon in and around the Bournemouth area please? Being made redundant at the end of the year and have become obsessed with getting into signalling!

They’ve just recruited internally for the 2 posts there, but it depends how far you’re willing to travel to other boxes.

 

[joestankey18]

Think its always been six months.

Yeah it has to my knowledge too

 

[Ducatist4]

They’ve just recruited internally for the 2 posts there, but it depends how far you’re willing to travel to other boxes.

It’s more a case of how far Network Rail are prepared to let you travel - no more than an hour is allowed.

 

[s01omorg]

They’ve just recruited internally for the 2 posts there, but it depends how far you’re willing to travel to other boxes.

Cheers for the info. I'll keep waiting.

 

[matt96]

Starting IST in Carlisle on the 28th October - anyone else there at the same time?

 

[MikeOff]

Starting IST in Carlisle on the 28th October - anyone else there at the same time?

Yes I will also be starting on that course

 

[Pcoftw]

Apologies all, I know this question’s been asked 1000s of times… but can anyone help with prep’ for the signaller interview questions? Any info’ would be kindly appreciated. What questions in particular will they ask? I understand it to be STAR questions around the NTS? Shall I just prepare an answer for each NTS and read up on the company vision/ values e.t.c? I’ve used the search function and don’t see much. Any posts # in particular I should look at? I believe I should scroll back 100 pages and just read all the way? Not sure if that’s still the thing to do…

 

[Kraken]

Apologies all, I know this question’s been asked 1000s of times… but can anyone help with prep’ for the signaller interview questions? Any info’ would be kindly appreciated. What questions in particular will they ask? I understand it to be STAR questions around the NTS? Shall I just prepare an answer for each NTS and read up on the company vision/ values e.t.c? I’ve used the search function and don’t see much. Any posts # in particular I should look at? I believe I should scroll back 100 pages and just read all the way? Not sure if that’s still the thing to do…

I prepared two STAR examples per NTS in case they pressed me for another example on any of them. What I didn’t prepare for and should have was ‘negative’ examples. I got asked to talk about a time I made a mistake at work and had to rectify it, and also about a time I fell out with a colleague and how I maintained a professional relationship. Not sure if you will get asked anything like this but it doesn’t hurt to be ready for it!

 

[jcdavis892]

Hello,

I'm in the process of applying for signaller positions in Cumbria, mainly around Ulverston, Arnside and Penrith. They're advertised as Grade 2 trainee positions but any help knowing what grades these are beyond Signalling School would be a great help.

Is there also any way of finding out which locations have higher grades or is it a case of waiting till these positions come available to find out.

Any info/help would be much appreciated.

 

[chris81]

Hi.
I have been told I have got through the assessments and now have an interview next Wednesday for a grade 3 signaller role.
I currently work in a medium secure forensic facility.
Is there anyone on here that could give me an idea of what will be asked during the interview.
I'm pretty confident I have transferable skills but any info anyone has will be greatly appreciated.

Hello, I have just gone through the application process for a grade 3 signaller role so cannot comment on if there is any variance to the application process. During my research I also read that the "assessment centre" would be an all day group activity based evaluation, but that didn't transpire. Instead I was instructed to log into a candidate portal and record myself completing several scenarios. Interestingly, I didn't have to book a slot for that I just had a deadline for submission. So it does sound like yours is different, possibly due to the grade? After that I had a final face to face interview (did not have a video interview), then dbs check then medical. If it helps, I have no experience and have been lucky enough to be successful on my first attempt in applying for the role. You have been given the opportunity to progress through the application process so of course its realistic for you to get the job. Good luck.

Hi.
I have an interview next week for the grade 3.
Any heads up as to what I can expect??
Thanks in advance.

 

[Afoy93]

Hello, I have just gone through the application process for a grade 3 signaller role so cannot comment on if there is any variance to the application process. During my research I also read that the "assessment centre" would be an all day group activity based evaluation, but that didn't transpire. Instead I was instructed to log into a candidate portal and record myself completing several scenarios. Interestingly, I didn't have to book a slot for that I just had a deadline for submission. So it does sound like yours is different, possibly due to the grade? After that I had a final face to face interview (did not have a video interview), then dbs check then medical. If it helps, I have no experience and have been lucky enough to be successful on my first attempt in applying for the role. You have been given the opportunity to progress through the application process so of course its realistic for you to get the job. Good luck.

I've just applied for a grade 3 role and had already passed the initial assessments a few months ago so I've just been moved right into this stage where I have to record myself.

Just want to have an idea of the kind of questions or scenarios I'll have to respond too.

Any help or advice would be appreciated.

 

[macmed94]

I haven’t had a response by email however my application page has changed, it says next step is assessment centre however all the stages are greyed out including the assessment centre part

Does this look good? I was worried about getting rejected as they used my old score for a grade 7 signaller role that I failed in, this is for a level 3 operations apprenticeship

 

[Pcoftw]

I prepared two STAR examples per NTS in case they pressed me for another example on any of them. What I didn’t prepare for and should have was ‘negative’ examples. I got asked to talk about a time I made a mistake at work and had to rectify it, and also about a time I fell out with a colleague and how I maintained a professional relationship. Not sure if you will get asked anything like this but it doesn’t hurt to be ready for it!

Thanks for the help bud.

 

[ArkUTD]

Not sure anyone else has noticed this, but on the Network rail Signaling Website, it now states you need to be under 50 mins from location, down from an hour. Website

Do anyone know why this has changed?

 

[CoachB]

Not sure anyone else has noticed this, but on the Network rail Signaling Website, it now states you need to be under 50 mins from location, down from an hour. Website

Do anyone know why this has changed?

Think it depends on what region you're applying for. I noticed last year when I went to apply for a job on the Settle Carlisle line that it said 50 minutes but for jobs in Scotland it says 1 hour.

 

[davieboy85]

Hi guys I’m a newbie and had a question if someone could give me a wee hand with please?.
I’ve applied for g2 signaller at my local box and have passed my online assessments and now have a recorded interview question thing.can anyone give me an idea of what the questions would be based around as I’m panicking a bit and don’t want to mess it up.I’ve been on the nw website and looked through loads of stuff regarding interviews etc but I’m still so unsure in what the questions may look like.thanks guys

 

[justym]

Hi guys I’m a newbie and had a question if someone could give me a wee hand with please?.
I’ve applied for g2 signaller at my local box and have passed my online assessments and now have a recorded interview question thing.can anyone give me an idea of what the questions would be based around as I’m panicking a bit and don’t want to mess it up.I’ve been on the nw website and looked through loads of stuff regarding interviews etc but I’m still so unsure in what the questions may look like.thanks guys

Hi mate I’ve just applied for trainee grade 2 still to do on mine assessments have they to be done on a desktop with webcam etc?

 

[Mists]

Hi guys I’m a newbie and had a question if someone could give me a wee hand with please?.
I’ve applied for g2 signaller at my local box and have passed my online assessments and now have a recorded interview question thing.can anyone give me an idea of what the questions would be based around as I’m panicking a bit and don’t want to mess it up.I’ve been on the nw website and looked through loads of stuff regarding interviews etc but I’m still so unsure in what the questions may look like.thanks guys

Hello, if it’s the same as mine you will be given a scenario and you have to record yourself a few times dealing with that developing situation. You will be given all the information you need to complete the scenario so don’t stress. You can’t really do anything to prepare for it, again, if it’s anything like mine was. Good luck.

Hi mate I’ve just applied for trainee grade 2 still to do on mine assessments have they to be done on a desktop with webcam etc?

Hello, if you’ve only completed your application and have now been invited to do online assessments then you are about to do the psychometric/suitability tests which range from solving math problems to memory recall. If it’s like mine was, you will not need a webcam for this part of the process, but you will need a computer and good internet connection. Good luck.

 

[northwestern]

Sorry to bring up the subject of money again but would the salary for a grade 2 signaller, 12 hour shifts, 24/7 get close to approx £42k? Thanks for any insight

 

[High Dyke]

Sorry to bring up the subject of money again but would the salary for a grade 2 signaller, 12 hour shifts, 24/7 get close to approx £42k? Thanks for any insight

Maths are not my strong point unfortunately. However, the following rates would apply (2024 pay rate)

• Basic 12hr day - £222
• Night allowance - £14.79
• Sunday 12hr (day) - £333
• Sunday 12hr (night) - £320
• Normal 12hr Saturday (night) - £292
• 12hr RDW - £277
• RDW 12hr Saturday (night) - £320

If you work on the basis of four turns per week + two Sundays per 4-week cycle, then it should be a reasonable calculation.

 

[muz379]

Sorry to bring up the subject of money again but would the salary for a grade 2 signaller, 12 hour shifts, 24/7 get close to approx £42k? Thanks for any insight

Are you actually going to a G2 location , or just coming in on a G2 training post ? Because grade 2's are few and far between .

But yeah I reckon you should be able to get comfortable past £42k on a G2 fairly easily if it is a box that is open 24/7 with a 4 person roster you get two sundays every 4 weeks .

Base Salary £33,600
10X Day Sundays £3332.25
10X Night sundays £3202.90

That is before you factor in any night premiums , 6hours pay at sunday rate for saturday nights and RDW . Ive only included 20 not 26 because chances are there might be sundays you want to take off or some will fall in your leave . Obviously if you work all 26 its even more money .



*edited to correct figures

 

[emtm21]

Shouldn’t that be maximum of 13 of each? (one of each per 4 week period)

 

[muz379]

Shouldn’t that be maximum of 13 of each? (one of each per 4 week period)

it should yeah , got carried away there ,10 of each it is which takes you to about £40,250 .

 

[northwestern]

it should yeah , got carried away there ,10 of each it is which takes you to about £40,250 .

Thank you for this very helpful

Maths are not my strong point unfortunately. However, the following rates would apply (2024 pay rate)

• Basic 12hr day - £222
• Night allowance - £14.79
• Sunday 12hr (day) - £333
• Sunday 12hr (night) - £320
• Normal 12hr Saturday (night) - £292
• 12hr RDW - £277
• RDW 12hr Saturday (night) - £320

If you work on the basis of four turns per week + two Sundays per 4-week cycle, then it should be a reasonable calculation.

Again very helpful thank you

 

[justym]

Hi guys been reading through the posts as I’ve just applied for a grade 2 trainee post so am I rite in saying you’ll revive the g2 salary while training but you may well be posted to a higher grade box afterwards and the salary will increase as such? Thanks for any info

 

[AMC]

Maths are not my strong point unfortunately. However, the following rates would apply (2024 pay rate)

• Basic 12hr day - £222
• Night allowance - £14.79
• Sunday 12hr (day) - £333
• Sunday 12hr (night) - £320
• Normal 12hr Saturday (night) - £292
• 12hr RDW - £277
• RDW 12hr Saturday (night) - £320

If you work on the basis of four turns per week + two Sundays per 4-week cycle, then it should be a reasonable calculation.

Hiya, do you have something similar for grade 7 please?
I am just being nosey and am nowhere near close to getting a position, so if it took you a while to put this together please don’t worry about spending your time

Thank you!

 

[justym]

Anyone know of some useful books to get regarding signalling?

 

[muz379]

Hi guys been reading through the posts as I’ve just applied for a grade 2 trainee post so am I rite in saying you’ll revive the g2 salary while training but you may well be posted to a higher grade box afterwards and the salary will increase as such? Thanks for any info

You will indeed recieve G2 whilst training

The expectation is that you will apply for vacancies whilst at Initial signaller training as well .

If you get to the end of initial signaller training without a position your manager will chose a location for you to learn - this may be above a G2 but probably only upto a G4 . You will get paid the grade of the location when you pass out there . You still wont have a permenant job at that location and will still need to search and apply for jobs .

Hiya, do you have something similar for grade 7 please?
I am just being nosey and am nowhere near close to getting a position, so if it took you a while to put this together please don’t worry about spending your time

Thank you!

Rounded figures to the nearest £

• 12hr Day - £330
• Basic Week £962
• Night shift allowance £22
• 12hr Sunday Day - £495
• 12hr Sunday Night £475
• 12hr RDW £412

Anyone know of some useful books to get regarding signalling?

Are you going to be attending IST ?

if so don't worrry about trying to read ahead , learn the phonetic alphabet so you can comfortably use it because you will be doing everyday during training and as a signaller .

 

[justym]

You will indeed recieve G2 whilst training

The expectation is that you will apply for vacancies whilst at Initial signaller training as well .

If you get to the end of initial signaller training without a position your manager will chose a location for you to learn - this may be above a G2 but probably only upto a G4 . You will get paid the grade of the location when you pass out there . You still wont have a permenant job at that location and will still need to search and apply for jobs .

Rounded figures to the nearest £

• 12hr Day - £330
• Basic Week £962
• Night shift allowance £22
• 12hr Sunday Day - £495
• 12hr Sunday Night £475
• 12hr RDW £412

Are you going to be attending IST ?

if so don't worrry about trying to read ahead , learn the phonetic alphabet so you can comfortably use it because you will be doing everyday during training and as a signaller .

Hopefully but not at that stage yet but was just thinking about learning more about the role for interviews etc

Hi guys I’m a newbie and had a question if someone could give me a wee hand with please?.
I’ve applied for g2 signaller at my local box and have passed my online assessments and now have a recorded interview question thing.can anyone give me an idea of what the questions would be based around as I’m panicking a bit and don’t want to mess it up.I’ve been on the nw website and looked through loads of stuff regarding interviews etc but I’m still so unsure in what the questions may look like.thanks guys

How did you get on with it mate? I done mine tonight thought it was pretty tough! Does put you on the spot to come up with detailed answers not sure how well I done but hopefully it’s enough.

Hello, if it’s the same as mine you will be given a scenario and you have to record yourself a few times dealing with that developing situation. You will be given all the information you need to complete the scenario so don’t stress. You can’t really do anything to prepare for it, again, if it’s anything like mine was. Good luck.


Hello, if you’ve only completed your application and have now been invited to do online assessments then you are about to do the psychometric/suitability tests which range from solving math problems to memory recall. If it’s like mine was, you will not need a webcam for this part of the process, but you will need a computer and good internet connection. Good luck.

Hi thanks for the feedback I’m through online assessments and just done my recorded interview questions tonight where I had to watch videos and record my answers to 5 questions.. one being (describe a time where you had to solve a complex problem) (How you identified the problem) (what action did you take to solve it) did find it pretty tough on the spot so will see how I get on!

 

[Mists]

Hopefully but not at that stage yet but was just thinking about learning more about the role for interviews etc


How did you get on with it mate? I done mine tonight thought it was pretty tough! Does put you on the spot to come up with detailed answers not sure how well I done but hopefully it’s enough.


Hi thanks for the feedback I’m through online assessments and just done my recorded interview questions tonight where I had to watch videos and record my answers to 5 questions.. one being (describe a time where you had to solve a complex problem) (How you identified the problem) (what action did you take to solve it) did find it pretty tough on the spot so will see how I get on!

Ok, so a lot different from my process then. Hope you do well.