A career as a signaller

[Tom Quinne]

Thanks Tom. Just to clarify what do you mean by 'lodging' at Thames valley? Might be something to consider.

Campervan in the secure car parking compound onsite, going home on your rest days.

You have access to all the essential hygiene and cooking facilities, finish your shift have some food and a chill, watch a bit of TV then retire to your camper to sleep.

I did it for 18 months before I got my move wasn’t to bad to be honest.

 

[Highlandspring]

I've said it before on this thread that I'm amazed this is tolerated; prehaps it tells a story about staff retention and the difficulty in filling posts that it is. Not many LOMs would accept a shanty town springing up in the car park. Bear in mind that once you are no longer on duty you're technically trespassing on railway property...

 

[Tom Quinne]

I've said it before on this thread that I'm amazed this is tolerated; prehaps it tells a story about staff retention and the difficulty in filling posts that it is. Not many LOMs would accept a shanty town springing up in the car park. Bear in mind that once you are no longer on duty you're technically trespassing on railway property...

Agreed, however it was/is common practice around the country. Shanty town is a little unkind although I appreciate it was probably meant in jest, the majority are very high spec campers.

I personally think it’s better to get proper rest between duty than running the traffic nightmare with upto 90+ minute drive each way.

Maybe the location of ROCs was ill thought out in terms of staffing...city centres, expensive house prices etc.
I mean you can literally be anywhere in the country these days in terms of signalling control, why site a major new centre in a city centre wirh associated placing and space restrictions with regards to our neighbours or in areas where event basic houses cost £200,000+ ?

Something has to give either way.

 

[Narom]

It's not unique to Network Rail. There are firefighters up and down the country who do the same, there is one whos house is in Merseyside but is a FF in London!

Quite a few stations actually have caravans round the back of them too .

I am surprised it happens on business premises though .

 

[NeilNX]

Wouldnt mind TVSC, though bit far for me tbh. Would have though the rocs wouldnt be a sort after position

 

[Tom Quinne]

I must stress I love my job, I really do it’s something I’ve always wanted to do and wouldn’t change “the job” for the world.

However, it’s a well known fact that humans need bright, light, colourful and fresh environments in which to work.

When you work in a grey box with small windows, no fresh air, no plants or colour it does have an effect on you - I knew what I was signing up for so I put up with it as like I say I love my job.

If your a single manned SB Signaller with opening windows, fresh air etc would you want to move ? Hence why the firm (whilst there is choice at least) have issues with getting jobs filled

Ironically TVSC is a very nice ROC, big full height windows both sides of the ops floor, a nice big pond to the one side, grass outside, light and airy ops floor, good and improving facilities for staff, it’s a location thing at TVSC house price wise and it’s proxy to London.

 

[LAX54]

Agreed, however it was/is common practice around the country. Shanty town is a little unkind although I appreciate it was probably meant in jest, the majority are very high spec campers.

I personally think it’s better to get proper rest between duty than running the traffic nightmare with upto 90+ minute drive each way.

Maybe the location of ROCs was ill thought out in terms of staffing...city centres, expensive house prices etc.
I mean you can literally be anywhere in the country these days in terms of signalling control, why site a major new centre in a city centre wirh associated placing and space restrictions with regards to our neighbours or in areas where event basic houses cost £200,000+ ?

Something has to give either way.

And Romford must have been one of the daftest ideas they had There are far better locations throughout the region !

 

[Tom Quinne]

At least Romford is all but dead as a ROC now...

 

[Barry Buchanan]

Im wondering if anyone has any up to date information regarding dates of signal box closures in east Scotland (around Dundee). The only thing I can find online I that its due to transfer to Edinburgh ROC in 2024-25 but then I've read Edinburgh ROC is no longer going ahead? any help much appreciated

 

[Tom Quinne]

The ROC program nationally is all but dead I think, York is the most advanced with several schemes due to move up/down/across into over the next few years.

West of Scotland is up and running in Glasgow area, I’ve never heard of a East of Scotland though ?

 

[BAK608]

At least Romford is all but dead as a ROC now...

Tom, why do you say that? An innocent question from a new forum member! I currently work in Anglia but not associated with the Romford ROC, something to do with TMS perhaps?

 

[Tom Quinne]

TMS...there’s another story...

I don’t know the full story, by the LTS Route will remain at Upminster, Anglia signalling staying at or going into Colchester no migration to Romford in CP6.

 

[BAK608]

TMS...there’s another story...

I don’t know the full story, by the LTS Route will remain at Upminster, Anglia signalling staying at or going into Colchester no migration to Romford in CP6.

Thanks Tom.

 

[LAX54]

TMS...there’s another story...

I don’t know the full story, by the LTS Route will remain at Upminster, Anglia signalling staying at or going into Colchester no migration to Romford in CP6.

Indeed, Colchester will be a mini-roc, or a pebble as we have been called, someone said TMS is still being worked out, and the building itself, is too small, after all the TOCs and NR Controllers etc, RCM's Incident Controllers, and other bods, seems the Ops floor is a tad tight on space !
NYL will one day be moved into Colchester too

 

[spiderman01]

Hi good evening everyone,

I wasn't sure if I had to start my own thread or post in this one. Apologies if I had to create a new one. I have applied for a grade 8 signaller job in West Hampstead and I have received the following email from Network Rail: "I am pleased to advise that you have reached the required benchmark on your onlines assessment and your results will be held on file for 12 months. Your application is still under consideration and you will be contacted by email shortly with an update."

Am I wrong in assuming they will contact me for an interview? Does it mean that I have only passed the minimum requirement and that they have 12 months to decide if they will call me or not? Can I, in the meantime, apply for any more Network Rail vacancies? Thank you very much for your help and support.

 

[Tom Quinne]

This is the best place to post any Signaller questions that’s for sure.

Yes, you can and should apply for as many jobs as you feel practical.

I say that as it’s unlikely you’ll be successful first time round, most of us have had at least a dozen if not more (personally 35) applicants before you crack the nut.

If it’s the stage one online assessment, then you’ll be called to complete the formal Signaller assessment once all the other applicants have completed their inital online testing. Once you’ve completed the two formal assessment you’ll be called for interview.

 

[spiderman01]

This is the best place to post any Signaller questions that’s for sure.

Yes, you can and should apply for as many jobs as you feel practical.


I say that as it’s unlikely you’ll be successful first time round, most of us have had at least a dozen if not more (personally 35) applicants before you crack the nut.

If it’s the stage one online assessment, then you’ll be called to complete the formal Signaller assessment once all the other applicants have completed their inital online testing. Once you’ve completed the two formal assessment you’ll be called for interview.

Thank you Tom,

As I have seen mentioned in this forum many times, I come straight off the street and have never had any railway knowledge. So yes, I suppose it would be a real surprise to pass the interview. However, I would like to give it my best shot so I am determined to prepare myself the best I can. Would you be able to say in what consists the second assessment? The actual application details don't mention this second assessment. Where would this take place? Thanks in advance for your support

 

[Cavan]

Thank you Tom,

As I have seen mentioned in this forum many times, I come straight off the street and have never had any railway knowledge. So yes, I suppose it would be a real surprise to pass the interview. However, I would like to give it my best shot so I am determined to prepare myself the best I can. Would you be able to say in what consists the second assessment? The actual application details don't mention this second assessment. Where would this take place? Thanks in advance for your support

Assessent 2 is the interview

 

[Littlestu]

Just had my 10th unsucessful still 1 active but not made it to an interview yet. Im thinking maybe i should sit the test again? Or would i be better answering the 70 questions from a fresh start? Something in my applications are not going well just wondering what to tweek or take again

 

[spiderman01]

Assessent 2 is the interview

Thank you Cavan,

Have you got any approximate idea of how long from letter to interview?

 

[Tom Quinne]

Assessent 2 is the interview

I was under the inpression it was initial online testing, after you pass the application form, the a formal online assessment, then interview...so three stages ?

I did mine back in 2009 and 2011, with interviews in 2015 and 2016 so my info on assessments is out of date but to the best of my knowledge.

 

[Tom Quinne]

A rare Grade 7 at Cambridge PSB is advertised externally for anyone in the area.

Also possibility a negative sign a Signaller Trainer (workplace development specialist) role at York ROC is also externally advertised.

 

[Saracen_83]

When I completed the application (numerous times last year!!!!) it is application form with 70 questions, then online testing (maths English etc)

Then If successful and one of the top 5 scores, you are invited to assessment 2, which is the interview. In my experience this can take up to 3 months.

As mentioned above, it can take lots of applications, took me 20odd before I was successful!

One thing to remember is the higher the grade role, the more people there will be applying!!

Good luck and apply for everything!!!!

 

[Judochop]

Just had my 10th unsucessful still 1 active but not made it to an interview yet. Im thinking maybe i should sit the test again? Or would i be better answering the 70 questions from a fresh start? Something in my applications are not going well just wondering what to tweek or take again

It took me 2 years and 28 applications to finally get in. I got my 1 and only interview on application 28 and got it. We had 2 guys on my course who applied for 1 role and got it, everyone else was between 15-30 applications.

It's hard becoming a signaller but it's worth it. It is the best kept secret on the railway.

Everyone currently struggling to get in, keep your head up and keep on applying you'll get there. Nothing this good comes easy.

Why I'm here hopefully some one can help me! Chichester is on the internal list, anyone know shift pattern and how busy? Does it qualify for outer London and South eastern? I've checked this forum and site and Google. All I know is its an nx panel 3 CCTV and I believe 1 ahbc.

Any help greatly appreciated

 

[nom de guerre]

Chichester is an 8hr roster with 12hr Sundays. Too far out for Outer London - more than 40 miles from Charing Cross - but qualifies for SE allowance if you’re an internal applicant.

Typical weekday service

 

[Sunset route]

It took me 2 years and 28 applications to finally get in. I got my 1 and only interview on application 28 and got it. We had 2 guys on my course who applied for 1 role and got it, everyone else was between 15-30 applications.

It's hard becoming a signaller but it's worth it. It is the best kept secret on the railway.

Everyone currently struggling to get in, keep your head up and keep on applying you'll get there. Nothing this good comes easy.

Why I'm here hopefully some one can help me! Chichester is on the internal list, anyone know shift pattern and how busy? Does it qualify for outer London and South eastern? I've checked this forum and site and Google. All I know is its an nx panel 3 CCTV and I believe 1 ahbc.

Any help greatly appreciated

Chichester is an 8hr roster with 12hr Sundays. Too far out for Outer London - more than 40 miles from Charing Cross - but qualifies for SE allowance if you’re an internal applicant.

Typical weekday service

All the Suusex area signalboxes operate the same 8 roster with 12 hr Sundays (some with 8 hr Sundays or they did when I worked on the coast)

North Downs

Oxted
Whyteleaf Crossing Keeper
Reigate
Dorking
Littlehaven Cossing Keeper

Coastway West

Arundel
Barnham
Littlehampton
Bognor Regis
Chichester

Coastway East

Newhaven Harbour*
Newhaven Town* (Crossing Keeper#)
Lewes*
Lancing$
Lancing crossing Keeper$

* to close in March 2019
# becomes a crossing keeper position March 2019
$ becomes a mini ASC with inbuilt relief staff March 2019. New staffing levels agreed but not the the roster at the time of writing.

 

[Judochop]

Thanks for the info nom de guerre and Sunset route.

8hr with 12hr Sundays is alright. I currently do that shift now. Would rather 12hr roster but this is 10mins from my home so it would be perfect. Thanks again guys

 

[Sinistah]

Hi guys, been a long time since I posted on here. It’s been a great journey so far. I’m currently in signal school week 7 and have enjoyed almost every minute of it. Apart from the stress of the assessments obviously. I’d like to say thanks to everyone on here that has helped me with my journey. The guys in Wimbledon ASC are great and very helpful. The course is definitely not easy so once you get in make sure you knuckle down as the course takes no prisoners. Just finished my third practical assessment and have completed the week 3 and week 6 exam so just preparing for the final week 11 and week 12 assessments. Once again guys thanks for all your help. Oh yeah special mention to Choochoobacca and glenblade who are on the course with me. Really top guys and couldn’t get through this course without them!

 

[Tom Quinne]

Made up for you mate.

I found week 5 was the worse, we had our second exam on the Monday of week 5 after it we were all empty for the rest of the week, but we were a 9 week course so it was past the midpoint then so it was better than still having more than half the course left.

 

[Dannygee]

It took me 2 years and 28 applications to finally get in. I got my 1 and only interview on application 28 and got it.

Why I'm here hopefully some one can help me! Chichester is on the internal list, anyone know shift pattern and how busy? Does it qualify for outer London and South eastern? I've checked this forum and site and Google. All I know is its an nx panel 3 CCTV and I believe 1 ahbc.

Any help greatly appreciated

10tph, 8 AHBs & 4 & a bit CCTV crossings, reception Road with a (usually) weekly stone train.