A career as a signaller

[Hylo]

Well done on getting the offer. What area you in?
They sent me a lot of info about the pensions options and to be honest, the suitability of each is dependent purely on your own circumstances.

You can move to the Railways Pension Scheme after 5yrs service but you should look at your own personal circumstances, and requirements before deciding. Take professional advice if you don’t understand it as there are real pros and cons to each one.

I'm in at Immingham, Everything they've sent through to me i've done so waiting on medical now. I went and got an eye test and came back 20/20, my weight and BP is all good so hoping that's a formality and away we go. My feeling is we're probably waiting for a school spot to be allocated.

 

[Mirri]

I've been offered a Signaller grade 2 position, which I was really surprised at as it was almost a month since the interview and I felt it had gone really badly.

They've said they want me to start ASAP as a crossing keeper while they wait for a space at signalling school, which they said would be sometime in the new year. Is that usual? To be honest I'd rather stay in my current role until I can start Signaller training, as the crossing keeper role would be paid at training wage not G2 salary and that's a bit of a pay cut from my current job.

 

[Ducatist4]

I've never heard of that before - I guess it depends on what your current role is! Crossing keepers are typically grade 1 as well.

 

[Seejwalker]

I've been offered a Signaller grade 2 position, which I was really surprised at as it was almost a month since the interview and I felt it had gone really badly.

They've said they want me to start ASAP as a crossing keeper while they wait for a space at signalling school, which they said would be sometime in the new year. Is that usual? To be honest I'd rather stay in my current role until I can start Signaller training, as the crossing keeper role would be paid at training wage not G2 salary and that's a bit of a pay cut from my current job.

Don’t forget though that you may get night allowances, chance at overtime, Sundays etc….. you’ll soon be earning more than you’re headline salary and your current salary.
Once you start, you’ll also get the clock ticking on your holiday pay supplement which is paid each April.
You’ll also get the clock ticking on back pay when we’re given a pay rise.

6 months paid sick leave, there’s so many perks to Network Rail that people don’t think about.

You may even have grounds to ask for travel pay as you’re conducting a different role, different routes have different tolerances for it, but don’t ask don’t get

 

[endofthetunnel]

You’ll also probably not be getting Grade 2 pay until you finish school/pass out of your box, you’ll be on grade 1 anyway.
Plus, cancellation places at IST come up often as well all the other mandatory training you can be getting on with.
Feels like an opportunity too good to miss really but it’s your decision.

 

[Kraken]

I've been offered a Signaller grade 2 position, which I was really surprised at as it was almost a month since the interview and I felt it had gone really badly.

They've said they want me to start ASAP as a crossing keeper while they wait for a space at signalling school, which they said would be sometime in the new year. Is that usual? To be honest I'd rather stay in my current role until I can start Signaller training, as the crossing keeper role would be paid at training wage not G2 salary and that's a bit of a pay cut from my current job.

I did a month as a crossing keeper before starting IST and it was a brilliant introduction to the railway to be honest, something I had no experience of. It was certainly better than hanging around signal boxes like a spare wheel for weeks on end, which was the other option. You will probably be earning extra from overtime, Sundays and nights but you know how much you need to be pulling in.

The added bonus is that once you’ve done signalling school you will be already passed out for that crossing and will probably occasionally get asked to work your rest days there = more opportunity for overtime if that’s your things.

 

[ChrisRS]

I've been offered a Signaller grade 2 position, which I was really surprised at as it was almost a month since the interview and I felt it had gone really badly.

They've said they want me to start ASAP as a crossing keeper while they wait for a space at signalling school, which they said would be sometime in the new year. Is that usual? To be honest I'd rather stay in my current role until I can start Signaller training, as the crossing keeper role would be paid at training wage not G2 salary and that's a bit of a pay cut from my current job.

You'll be on training salary (grade 1) anyways for the duration of signal school and until you're signed out in your box once you've learned it. Which you'll be looking at 3+ months anyways factoring in time spend at signal school and learning your location.

You'll earn more as a grade 1 crossing keeper with all the enhancements, it sounds like they're desperate for a crossing keeper. You may even get some rest days in as overtime so definitely worth going for the opportunity.

Gets you in the door and you can have some insight of working with trains, signallers, TRUST and signing the train register. A bonus when coming to pass your box.

 

[Canonite]

I've been offered a Signaller grade 2 position, which I was really surprised at as it was almost a month since the interview and I felt it had gone really badly.

They've said they want me to start ASAP as a crossing keeper while they wait for a space at signalling school, which they said would be sometime in the new year. Is that usual? To be honest I'd rather stay in my current role until I can start Signaller training, as the crossing keeper role would be paid at training wage not G2 salary and that's a bit of a pay cut from my current job.

I start IST in January and I’d jump at the chance to look after a Crossing until then.
From what I can gather you add 20-30% on top of base salary so a Grade 1 could be £31k plus.
Where’s the Crossing, I’ll go do it now

 

[SWTurbo]

I've been offered a Signaller grade 2 position, which I was really surprised at as it was almost a month since the interview and I felt it had gone really badly.

They've said they want me to start ASAP as a crossing keeper while they wait for a space at signalling school, which they said would be sometime in the new year. Is that usual? To be honest I'd rather stay in my current role until I can start Signaller training, as the crossing keeper role would be paid at training wage not G2 salary and that's a bit of a pay cut from my current job.

Not to comment on the financials but if you can afford it per se, it’s the best way to start. I’m currently based at a large PSB/ASC, but still pick up RDW shifts on a gatebox I signed early on as well as a few others, more for variety but it keeps the cash flowing as well!

As a new starter it’s a great way to meet people on the route as the MOMs are usually out and about as well as (occasionally) the LOM, and you’ll get a good intro to the railway that should stand you in good stead for IST week 1!

 

[rof1]

Yeah I got the same, was a relief to see in the email box! Congrats to you!

Hello, My first post on here, how did it go?
I've literally just interviewed for the same G9 at three bridges

 

[Mirri]

Not to comment on the financials but if you can afford it per se, it’s the best way to start. I’m currently based at a large PSB/ASC, but still pick up RDW shifts on a gatebox I signed early on as well as a few others, more for variety but it keeps the cash flowing as well!

As a new starter it’s a great way to meet people on the route as the MOMs are usually out and about as well as (occasionally) the LOM, and you’ll get a good intro to the railway that should stand you in good stead for IST week 1!

Thanks for the reassuring response, and to every one else who responded too.

In my current job all training keeps getting pushed back so you're waiting forever for it, so I think I was just being paranoid I'd be there for years as a crossing keeper, waiting for an IST space!

 

[Mega]

Hi everyone. I have checked using the search function but can’t find an answer, would appreciate anyone who could help.

What type of signalling method is used at the East Midlands signalling centre or ROC(not sure if it’s an ASC or ROC). Thanks

 

[Bn98]

Hello, My first post on here, how did it go?
I've literally just interviewed for the same G9 at three bridges

Welcome! Hope it went well, I had mine earlier this week... Should hopefully hear by the end of this week/Monday - frustratingly feel like it wasn't the strongest interview I could have given, the questions didnt lend themselves very well for the best examples! But hey ho we shall see...

 

[High Dyke]

Hi everyone. I have checked using the search function but can’t find an answer, would appreciate anyone who could help.

What type of signalling method is used at the East Midlands signalling centre or ROC(not sure if it’s an ASC or ROC). Thanks

EMCC is classed as a ROC. All signalling is computer based WestCad. Workstations vary in grade, but I'm not certain of the finer details.

 

[rof1]

Welcome! Hope it went well, I had mine earlier this week... Should hopefully hear by the end of this week/Monday - frustratingly feel like it wasn't the strongest interview I could have given, the questions didnt lend themselves very well for the best examples! But hey ho we shall yea

Welcome! Hope it went well, I had mine earlier this week... Should hopefully hear by the end of this week/Monday - frustratingly feel like it wasn't the strongest interview I could have given, the questions didnt lend themselves very well for the best examples! But hey ho we shall see...

I'm right there with you on the question front!
Hey ho first N/R interview done i'll take it as a learning experience!

 

[Royal351]

I'm right there with you on the question front!
Hey ho first N/R interview done i'll take it as a learning experience!

I did mine today, so who knows how many more they have to go. I was told 2-3 weeks. The questions were very much based on the 8 non-technical skills. I felt mine went alright, I did have to skip a question as I couldn't think of an example then and there. But ended up thinking of one. I ended up repeating safety in every single answer. Used the old "everybody home safe every day" which the LOM seemed to nod at.

Best of luck to all of you! I heard through a colleague at TBD stations that they've got 3-4 vaccines. But railway rumours are always around

 

[Buiadh]

Hi folks, can anyone shine some light on Arbroath signal box for me please, in particular, it's shifts and if there's scope for Sunday OT?

 

[y0rkie287]

this forum is an absolute gold mine of helpful information, anyone reading and applying take in as much as you possibly can, i'm at the very lucky end now as just received my confirmation of start date and employee number, been a long process but well worth it in the end

 

[blake123]

After my IST was delayed it has now been rescheduled to the 14th of November (Bristol)
Does anyone have any experience of going through IST over the Christmas period and when they stand down and get up and running again?

 

[LC346]

Hi is there anyone still waiting to hear back from the Rugby & Wembley Signaller Vacancies? Still haven't heard anything since they emailed saying that there will be a delay in responding back.

 

[Woody27]

After my IST was delayed it has now been rescheduled to the 14th of November (Bristol)
Does anyone have any experience of going through IST over the Christmas period and when they stand down and get up and running again?

Hi mate, I’m also going Bristol on the 14th, and have been told we break up on the 16th and go back on the 3rd

 

[Bn98]

I did mine today, so who knows how many more they have to go. I was told 2-3 weeks. The questions were very much based on the 8 non-technical skills. I felt mine went alright, I did have to skip a question as I couldn't think of an example then and there. But ended up thinking of one. I ended up repeating safety in every single answer. Used the old "everybody home safe every day" which the LOM seemed to nod at.

Best of luck to all of you! I heard through a colleague at TBD stations that they've got 3-4 vaccines. But railway rumours are always around

2-3 weeks? I was told alot sooner (days) haha! Who knows, I reckon its more likely weeks?
The questions are all based on the 8 non-technical skills but there is an element of freedom for re-wording - I've found the specifity varies massively from interview to interview. Answered all that got put forward, annoyingly had alot of similar question lines so had to work to get different relevant examples in. STARR is your best friend, the final R is always a winner. Safety Critical, Home Safe and Life Saving rules - read up and drop in subtly as you can!

 

[Canonite]

this forum is an absolute gold mine of helpful information, anyone reading and applying take in as much as you possibly can, i'm at the very lucky end now as just received my confirmation of start date and employee number, been a long process but well worth it in the end

Did you get your employee number after medical? You doing IST at York?

 

[blake123]

Hi mate, I’m also going Bristol on the 14th, and have been told we break up on the 16th and go back on the 3rd

Thanks pal appreciate that… I’ll see you there. Hopefully it goes ahead!

 

[Rav3n725]

Hello, My first post on here, how did it go?
I've literally just interviewed for the same G9 at three bridges

It's so hard to say how it went, it felt OK, but just have to hope I said what they were looking for!

I asked about time frames and the hiring manager said it would probably be next week that we find out, so fingers crossed!

 

[JaySt]

Hey everyone! Just wanted to make a quick post and say thank you for all the invaluable information posted on here. Due to be starting IST on 31st October in Manchester! So for the time in between I’ve been sent to visit a signal box for a few hours a day for the last few days to get a look in at the life of a signaller while I wait to start. Safe to say I can’t wait to get going!

 

[Royal351]

2-3 weeks? I was told alot sooner (days) haha! Who knows, I reckon its more likely weeks?
The questions are all based on the 8 non-technical skills but there is an element of freedom for re-wording - I've found the specifity varies massively from interview to interview. Answered all that got put forward, annoyingly had alot of similar question lines so had to work to get different relevant examples in. STARR is your best friend, the final R is always a winner. Safety Critical, Home Safe and Life Saving rules - read up and drop in subtly as you can!

The end of next week seems more likely. As I was probably one of the last few.

 

[Kraken]

After my IST was delayed it has now been rescheduled to the 14th of November (Bristol)
Does anyone have any experience of going through IST over the Christmas period and when they stand down and get up and running again?

I did mine over Christmas and it was lovely to have a break to be honest. Piling straight back into the first written exam after Christmas was a bit of a shock though! I think my head would have burst if I’d have done the course in a oner.

 

[Leeward]

Does anybody have any info about Parkeston SB, Harwich - vacancy posted today. I can't seem to find much about it online. All I can see is that it's Grade 4.

 

[y0rkie287]

Did you get your employee number after medical? You doing IST at York?

yes i received my employee number in an email confirming all pre employment checks and processes had been completed and passed, start date is 19th december and IST is some point in the new year at york, really looking forward to it