A career as a signaller

[GMTUK]

Hi guys, first time posting on here.
I’m currently a conductor in Yorkshire and recently had my interview for grade 2 signaller multiple locations around Yorkshire (knottingley, Wakefield, Selby York areas). I haven’t heard anything in 2 weeks which I’m sure isn’t uncommon, but I wondered if anyone else here had applied recently and how long they waited to hear back from NR? They said in the interview it would be approximately 1-2 weeks and I’m just anxious with waiting in limbo at the moment. The other reason I ask is because another grade 9 position came up at York ROC and applications close this week… if I’m unsuccessful in this application I’d like to ideally apply for that role too. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Hi mate in same boat for you for same positions. My interview was moved to last Wednesday and I know they had slots for the day afterwards also. They were interviewing 3 persons at a time in different virtual rooms, I know this because of the pre-meet which had 3 of us in it. At the end of the interview was advise we would be advised the following week (this week). Talking to another guy in the forum who was also interviewed for those positions, not heard anything as of yet and not have I, so just going to have to wait it out.
Also in terms of the G9 positions just put an application in pal and good luck.

 

[CheeseNoMayo]

Hi guys, first time posting on here.
I’m currently a conductor in Yorkshire and recently had my interview for grade 2 signaller multiple locations around Yorkshire (knottingley, Wakefield, Selby York areas). I haven’t heard anything in 2 weeks which I’m sure isn’t uncommon, but I wondered if anyone else here had applied recently and how long they waited to hear back from NR? They said in the interview it would be approximately 1-2 weeks and I’m just anxious with waiting in limbo at the moment. The other reason I ask is because another grade 9 position came up at York ROC and applications close this week… if I’m unsuccessful in this application I’d like to ideally apply for that role too. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I’m in the same boat as you, just waiting to hear back.

 

[Sultan]

Morning all, I hope you are all well. Newbie here so apologies in advance l if this question has been asked 1000 times. I’ve recently been offer a signaller role in the Leicester and surrounding areas and the contract says 35 hours per week however there is no clear indication as to what a working week would look like in terms of shift patterns? I’ve had conflicting information from 3x12 hr shifts with 4 rest days, to 4x8.5 hrs with 3 rest days? Any information would be highly appreciated, thank you

Where my son works there are 3 shifts on a weekday (7am - 2pm, 2pm - 10pm & 10pm - 7am, roughly). Weekends are 2 12-hour shifts (7am - 7pm or 7pm to 7am). He seems to do 5 days at a time, with 3-4 days off in-between. 5 days can span a weekend. But sometimes he gets 7 days off, usually after nights that include weekends.

I'm not sure there is a distinct pattern, as you have to factor holidays and training in as well, but it's a close as I can get. You also get paid for any additional hours / shifts you do, as long as it doesn't compromise safety (ie rest days are essential) - so you could work a 12-hour shift in the week if involved in an extended fault fix.

Others will no doubt have more insight, but hopefully this is a starter for ten.

Good luck

 

[Casey_Jones]

Morning all, I hope you are all well. Newbie here so apologies in advance l if this question has been asked 1000 times. I’ve recently been offer a signaller role in the Leicester and surrounding areas and the contract says 35 hours per week however there is no clear indication as to what a working week would look like in terms of shift patterns? I’ve had conflicting information from 3x12 hr shifts with 4 rest days, to 4x8.5 hrs with 3 rest days? Any information would be highly appreciated, thank you

Probably is location dependent, but I work on a patch that comes under Leicester and the pattern is pretty much as below with 12 hour shifts 0600-1800 & 1800 to 0600.

S M T W T F S
Off RD RD RD D D D
D RD RD N N N RD
Off D D D RD RD N
N N N RD RD RD RD

 

[Leedslad0113]

Hi there, hope you’re well. When I applied after my interview I was told I would hear back in 1 week, didn’t hear anything until a phone call around 3-4 weeks later apologising for the delay and congratulating me on getting the job. So just wait it out atleast a month I’d say..good luck!

Hi mate you can apply for as many positions as you like you dont have to wait for the outcome of your current application.As for the wait for a response could be days or weeks.Best of luck mate with your application.

Hi mate in same boat for you for same positions. My interview was moved to last Wednesday and I know they had slots for the day afterwards also. They were interviewing 3 persons at a time in different virtual rooms, I know this because of the pre-meet which had 3 of us in it. At the end of the interview was advise we would be advised the following week (this week). Talking to another guy in the forum who was also interviewed for those positions, not heard anything as of yet and not have I, so just going to have to wait it out.
Also in terms of the G9 positions just put an application in pal and good luck.

Funny enough about an hour after I posted this I got the call. Official job offer based on outcome of a medical etc so good news!

Only issue I’ve stumbled into is they’ve offered me Harrogate. In my application it asked my preferred locations which were Wakefield, knottingley and Selby, Harrogate wasn’t in my preferred locations as it’s an hour from my house. I’m not sure if it’s a mistake or if they’ve already just filled the positions in my preferred locations.

Either way I’m happy to have the offer! Let me know how you guys get on.

 

[Jovisd79]

Don't suppose any one knows how many junctions Cambridge or bury yard signal boxes cover? Only be because this effects what grade signaller you would be and although the difference in salary between g3 and g4 isn't much, it is 4k between g2 and g3 I believe

 

[Lpf93]

Funny enough about an hour after I posted this I got the call. Official job offer based on outcome of a medical etc so good news!

Only issue I’ve stumbled into is they’ve offered me Harrogate. In my application it asked my preferred locations which were Wakefield, knottingley and Selby, Harrogate wasn’t in my preferred locations as it’s an hour from my house. I’m not sure if it’s a mistake or if they’ve already just filled the positions in my preferred locations.

Either way I’m happy to have the offer! Let me know how you guys get on.

Congratulations.
I’d still apply for the g9 role aswell before you start or you’ll have to wait 52weeks to move on from current role(unless your LOM says otherwise)

 

[GMTUK]

Funny enough about an hour after I posted this I got the call. Official job offer based on outcome of a medical etc so good news!

Only issue I’ve stumbled into is they’ve offered me Harrogate. In my application it asked my preferred locations which were Wakefield, knottingley and Selby, Harrogate wasn’t in my preferred locations as it’s an hour from my house. I’m not sure if it’s a mistake or if they’ve already just filled the positions in my preferred locations.

Either way I’m happy to have the offer! Let me know how you guys get on.

Well not received a call, so I think I will be getting the thanks but no thanks email tomorrow.

 

[Leedslad0113]

Congratulations.
I’d still apply for the g9 role aswell before you start or you’ll have to wait 52weeks to move on from current role(unless your LOM says otherwise)

Thanks bud they did mention about the 52 weeks.

Does anyone happen to know what grade Harrogate is? Or if there’s a way to find out the grade of each signal box?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Jun 2023 ==

Well not received a call, so I think I will be getting the thanks but no thanks email tomorrow.

Don’t lose hope just yet bud. I interviewed a week before you so maybe they’re just calling people in order.

Out of interest which location were you hoping for?

 

[GMTUK]

Thanks bud they did mention about the 52 weeks.

Does anyone happen to know what grade Harrogate is? Or if there’s a way to find out the grade of each signal box?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Jun 2023 ==


Don’t lose hope just yet bud. I interviewed a week before you so maybe they’re just calling people in order.

Out of interest which location were you hoping for?

Any mate I put down all 7. Congratulations again

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 29 Jun 2023 ==

Thanks bud they did mention about the 52 weeks.

Does anyone happen to know what grade Harrogate is? Or if there’s a way to find out the grade of each signal box?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 28 Jun 2023 ==


Don’t lose hope just yet bud. I interviewed a week before you so maybe they’re just calling people in order.

Out of interest which location were you hoping for?

I put all of them down so will wait and see…

 

[Tripl]

Hi Kenneth, I'm in exactly the same boat. The "hour-long" interview was over in about 25 minutes. I answered all the questions and it was all quite relaxed. But I can't tell if I did really well or had a shocker!! No help to you at all but I hope you were successful.

My interview for G2 as an external candidate lasted just over 20 minutes and I was successful. Good Luck!

 

[GMTUK]

My interview for G2 as an external candidate lasted just over 20 minutes and I was successful. Good Luck!

Where for pal?

 

[RyW1]

Hi everyone,

I have an interview for Upminster next week. I'm not too far from the box (about 15 min). Just wondering if anyone can give me any information on the box itself or if it would be possible to go and have a look/chat at the box itself? Really keen on the role and trying to get an edge! Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[JWilliams]

Hi everyone,

I have an interview for Upminster next week. I'm not too far from the box (about 15 min). Just wondering if anyone can give me any information on the box itself or if it would be possible to go and have a look/chat at the box itself? Really keen on the role and trying to get an edge! Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

In my interview I asked to visit where I’d applied for, they were more than happy to oblige, no doubt your box will be the same! Good luck

 

[bhabloke]

Hi all, great source of information on here. I was just wondering if anyone might know the shift pattern for Lancing box and the start/finish times. I have been interviewed for the post and now waiting to find out if I have been successful. Thanks in advance.

 

[LJC2023]

Hi all!

Had my interview last week for G2 & had a contact request from network rail to get in touch. Missed each other a few times over the course of yesterday so waiting patiently again today. Whilst I wait, has anyone had experience of being told they are unsuccessful over the phone or does this generally mean successful?

Many thanks

 

[GMTUK]

No offer for me but been put a reserve list after interview. Any general advise on this or just a waiting game?

 

[PTGRail]

Does anyone know what might be considered as “exceptional circumstances” under the 52-week rule?

I applied for the job well over a year ago, and have been an employee since December. Due to constant delays in getting a space in IST, I’m only just now coming to the last week of the course.

When applying for the job, I had secure accommodation at a reasonable level of rent. But now, though no fault of my own I’m facing potential homelessness in London within the next two months. I’ve got no clue how I’m going to find a home or afford the rent, and have considered applying for other signaller roles but don’t know if the rules will allow.

 

[BrummieBobby]

Does anyone know what might be considered as “exceptional circumstances” under the 52-week rule?

I applied for the job well over a year ago, and have been an employee since December. Due to constant delays in getting a space in IST, I’m only just now coming to the last week of the course.

When applying for the job, I had secure accommodation at a reasonable level of rent. But now, though no fault of my own I’m facing potential homelessness in London within the next two months. I’ve got no clue how I’m going to find a home or afford the rent, and have considered applying for other signaller roles but don’t know if the rules will allow.

Do you mind if I ask if you are a member of the RMT? If so, I would speak to your rep without delay.

I would think that your situation would qualify as exceptional circumstances, but I am not qualified to say for certain.

 

[PTGRail]

Do you mind if I ask if you are a member of the RMT? If so, I would speak to your rep without delay.

I would think that your situation would qualify as exceptional circumstances, but I am not qualified to say for certain.

I haven’t yet joined the RMT but was planning to do so. Can I just sign up right now online?

Thanks for the reply. It’s a difficult situation - I don’t want to piss my LOM off, never intended to try and leave as soon as this, and don’t even know if the rules will allow it. But if I ended up homeless then I wouldn’t be able to do the job anyway. If the RMT can help and I can sign up today then that’s what I’ll do.

Edit: I have now signed up to the RMT.

 

[RyW1]

In my interview I asked to visit where I’d applied for, they were more than happy to oblige, no doubt your box will be the same! Good luck

Thanks for this. I take it you only visited once you were offered a position then? I'm trying to get to the box beforehand if possible.

 

[Buiadh]

Hi folks, is anyone able to tell me what grade Carnoustie SB is, if they're 8/12hr shifts and if there's scope for Sunday OT?

 

[Andy9gc]

I was offered a position in April, Did all my pre employment/medical etc in the same month, Medical is confirmed and sent off the same day so you'll get an employment start date there or there abouts, I've been employed since last Monday however IST isn't until October!

Just had an update confirming my start date and my IST training which will be in Bristol which is great, no need to stay away from home.

Does anyone know If trainees work Sundays at TVSC? and is there a specific training roster as such or is dependent on your training needs?

 

[Goggins]

Hi guys, first time posting on here.
I’m currently a conductor in Yorkshire and recently had my interview for grade 2 signaller multiple locations around Yorkshire (knottingley, Wakefield, Selby York areas). I haven’t heard anything in 2 weeks which I’m sure isn’t uncommon, but I wondered if anyone else here had applied recently and how long they waited to hear back from NR? They said in the interview it would be approximately 1-2 weeks and I’m just anxious with waiting in limbo at the moment. The other reason I ask is because another grade 9 position came up at York ROC and applications close this week… if I’m unsuccessful in this application I’d like to ideally apply for that role too. Any help is greatly appreciated.

I was the same, the wait is horrible! It was 8 weeks i waited to hear anything, it missed out but placed on a waiting list, two weeks later i was offered a position. Hope you get some good news mate

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 30 Jun 2023 ==

Anyone else been successful in the North Wales Grade Two roles? Any news on where the signalling school is in October?

 

[G17]

Evening folks,

I have just finished my application for role of Signaller with Network Rail in Scotland. I am looking at the grade 3 roles.

I currently work in the emergency services so would be taking a decent drop in basic wage if successful (I know it's very competitive).

Am I right in thinking that similar to to train drivers etc that Sunday work is always classed as overtime and will not be included in annual salary advertised of £36k

I am just trying to work out what the scope of for boosting the salary with Sunday work and OT.


Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[NC99]

Evening.

Had the final stage video interview for the Grade 2 signalling jobs this week and thought it went very well. This forum has been great, its given me a wealth of knowledge and really helped me prepare for it. I obviously don't know how good the competition is, but feel like I did the best I could and I'm quietly optimistic.

Was told I'd find out if I was successful by the end of next week. Can anyone who has been offered or rejected for the job recently tell me if they received the news by phone or email? Only asking as I tend to ignore calls from numbers I don't know, due to the constant spam calls you get these days

Cheers.

 

[SH89]

Evening folks,

I have just finished my application for role of Signaller with Network Rail in Scotland. I am looking at the grade 3 roles.

I currently work in the emergency services so would be taking a decent drop in basic wage if successful (I know it's very competitive).

Am I right in thinking that similar to to train drivers etc that Sunday work is always classed as overtime and will not be included in annual salary advertised of £36k

I am just trying to work out what the scope of for boosting the salary with Sunday work and OT.


Thanks in advance for any info.

Yes Sunday is classed as extra, if you’re on a 12 hour roster with 2 Sundays a month you’ll stick an extra 10-12k ish on your basic, with O/T you’ll be in the region of 50k-55k on grade 3.

 

[G17]

Yes Sunday is classed as extra, if you’re on a 12 hour roster with 2 Sundays a month you’ll stick an extra 10-12k ish on your basic, with O/T you’ll be in the region of 50k-55k on grade 3.

Thanks for the info.

Is it fair to say that most areas have decent overtime available.

 

[SH89]

Thanks for the info.

Is it fair to say that most areas have decent overtime available.

O/T is plentiful in my area, im not familiar with the Scotland rosters but the majority of the railway runs on O/T! Lots of opportunities to move up the grades too if you desire

 

[Tripl]

Where for pal?

Trainee position in Manchester area