A career as a signaller

[JWilliams]

Anyone starting IST, first week of September? If so, where are people going?

 

[hovis]

What area was your interview for?

Ayrshire

 

[NC99]

Hi all, have really enjoyed reading through these posts to try and understand what's ahead of me. I have been offered one of the roles that were advertised in spring this year (the larger the org the slower the recruitment...) for the Willesden area. No start date yet or IST as I'm yet to do my medical and I'm on a 3 month notice period and was told not to resign until the medical results were back.
I have gleamed from this forum that these Willesden area boxes are on 12 hour shifts but does anyone know the start times i.e. 6am-6pm, 6pm-6am? And also whether there is a "hand over" at the start and end of each shift which I need to factor into when I arrive. I have been looking at transport to get to and from work and it seems my local lines won't get me to work on time if it's at 6am. I am going to cycle commute full time but when the weather is dangerous out I'd like to know if I can get the tube or whether it would be a night bus.
Cheers in advance!

Hi there. I've been offered one of the same Willesden roles as you and was told these boxes are all 6 till 6 shifts (days and nights) but can't help with the handover bit unfortunately. Interesting you're on 3 month notice period though, as they told me they'd be looking to start us in September/October. You'll probably just join a later IST and will be starting later than people like myself on 4 weeks notice I'd presume?

 

[SalzH]

Evening all!

Just got an unsuccessful email after interviewing last week. Really gutted but it was my first application and I've apparently been put on a reserve list. Just wondering if multiple people are put on a reserve list for a single post? Also, on the job portal the status says "Unsuccessful", is this still the case even if you're on the reserve list?

This forum has been a goldmine and all the information has been very much appreciated. As far as my own application the 2 interviewers were very friendly and I didn't feel like they were trying to trick me. Ive requested feedback so hopefully I might be able to put it to use in the future. All the best to everyone applying and well done to those successful.

From what I understand, as an external candidate there is not a reserve list for a specific post per se, instead you are added to a reserve list for the area. Its not uncommon to get contacted weeks/months later being offered a position. On my IST course there were two individuals that were originally on a reserve list. Don't give up hope just yet!

If you've been told you're on the reserve list you will be on it regardless of what the job portal says.

 

[Andy9gc]

Evening all!

Just got an unsuccessful email after interviewing last week. Really gutted but it was my first application and I've apparently been put on a reserve list. Just wondering if multiple people are put on a reserve list for a single post? Also, on the job portal the status says "Unsuccessful", is this still the case even if you're on the reserve list?

This forum has been a goldmine and all the information has been very much appreciated. As far as my own application the 2 interviewers were very friendly and I didn't feel like they were trying to trick me. Ive requested feedback so hopefully I might be able to put it to use in the future. All the best to everyone applying and well done to those successful.

I was put on a reserve liat early this year after being unsuccessful. Almost 6 months later I got a phone call asking if I was still interested. Went for a further interview and got offered a G7 position at TVSC.

Also my application showed as unsuccessful even though I was on the reserve list, so nothing to worry about.

 

[chalk_passion]

Hi there. I've been offered one of the same Willesden roles as you and was told these boxes are all 6 till 6 shifts (days and nights) but can't help with the handover bit unfortunately. Interesting you're on 3 month notice period though, as they told me they'd be looking to start us in September/October. You'll probably just join a later IST and will be starting later than people like myself on 4 weeks notice I'd presume?

Thanks for the response and good to know about the 6/6 shifts. From what I've experienced so far all dates have slipped and the process seems to take a while so I'll just have to wait patiently until I hear on start date and IST. Have you had your medical yet?

 

[NC99]

Thanks for the response and good to know about the 6/6 shifts. From what I've experienced so far all dates have slipped and the process seems to take a while so I'll just have to wait patiently until I hear on start date and IST. Have you had your medical yet?

No probs. Yeah that wouldn't surprise me seeing how long the process has taken already to this point. I've got my medical in the last week of August, so that virtually rules a September start out anyway taking into account a 4 week notice period. Like you say, just got to be patient but I just want to get going already!

 

[Napier]

Is there a reason the Tuesday night shift isn't added to the Wed/Thur/Fri run of nightshifts, it wasn't in our "options" for choosing this time around but was last time, I can't see a problem with it and it means the change in roster isn't too different (I really like the current roster, I felt some of the options put forward meant you didn't get much time to recover between going from days to nights).

I am guessing we are on the same area!

It was suggested that the LOM day can't be housed on a Monday, because the LOM's are steadfast about not being able to move the meetings they have, if it is left on a Thursday that total's 61 hours so it is clear we are going to be forced to vote / accept a roster that offers a poor work life balance in return for making the LOM's workload easier.

But they have tried to imply that some of the days are difficult to cover on a four-night option as the restrictiveness of the 60 hours means residents cannot be offered overtime, not that I personally want any, but they don't seem to grasp implementation of a poor roster will lower moral even more than it is, drive sickness levels up and people will eventually vote with their feet!

 

[Goggins]

Evening all!

Just got an unsuccessful email after interviewing last week. Really gutted but it was my first application and I've apparently been put on a reserve list. Just wondering if multiple people are put on a reserve list for a single post? Also, on the job portal the status says "Unsuccessful", is this still the case even if you're on the reserve list?

This forum has been a goldmine and all the information has been very much appreciated. As far as my own application the 2 interviewers were very friendly and I didn't feel like they were trying to trick me. Ive requested feedback so hopefully I might be able to put it to use in the future. All the best to everyone applying and well done to those successful.

I was told the same and they called me two weeks later to offer me a position, i start next month.

I think it depends on the number of candidates etc. Hope you get some good news soon

 

[RailwayRookie]

No probs. Yeah that wouldn't surprise me seeing how long the process has taken already to this point. I've got my medical in the last week of August, so that virtually rules a September start out anyway taking into account a 4 week notice period. Like you say, just got to be patient but I just want to get going already!

I have my medical next week for a different area and was told when they offered the role in July that I'd be looking at a start date of October

 

[Goggins]

Hey guys.. I've been offered a start date of the 4th of September, and Signalling School 9th of October.. Will I get paid fully from the 4th with online training etc before Signalling School does anyone know?

 

[red2512]

Hey guys.. I've been offered a start date of the 4th of September, and Signalling School 9th of October.. Will I get paid fully from the 4th with online training etc before Signalling School does anyone know?

You will get paid from the 4th Sept, the grade will be dependent on what was confirmed when you received your job offer though I believe. I think the payday is 15th Sept so you will get a week's wage before that cut off too I reckon

 

[hovis]

I was told the same and they called me two weeks later to offer me a position, i start next month.

I think it depends on the number of candidates etc. Hope you get some good news soon

That's fantastic! It's quite a quick turnaround from being put on the reserve list. Do you know if it was because someone declined an offer or just a new position coming up in the area? It's hard to think someone would put all the effort into an application to turn it down, but I guess it does happen. The best example I read on this forum was someone being unsuccessful on the Thursday and getting an offer on the Friday, quite an emotional rollercoaster haha.

 

[ejh93]

Anyone starting IST, first week of September? If so, where are people going?

Yep, I’m starting in Ipswich on 4th September!

 

[Goggins]

You will get paid from the 4th Sept, the grade will be dependent on what was confirmed when you received your job offer though I believe. I think the payday is 15th Sept so you will get a week's wage before that cut off too I reckon

Superb.. They confirmed this after i sent the message. Thank mate

 

[NC99]

I have my medical next week for a different area and was told when they offered the role in July that I'd be looking at a start date of October

Yeah, they asked me if I had any holidays booked in September or October at the end of the interview. Fingers crossed it is that - don't fancy waiting months and months to start.

 

[JWilliams]

Yep, I’m starting in Ipswich on 4th September!

Best of luck mate! When did you find out where your school would be?

 

[The Puddock]

Hi all, have really enjoyed reading through these posts to try and understand what's ahead of me. I have been offered one of the roles that were advertised in spring this year (the larger the org the slower the recruitment...) for the Willesden area. No start date yet or IST as I'm yet to do my medical and I'm on a 3 month notice period and was told not to resign until the medical results were back.
I have gleamed from this forum that these Willesden area boxes are on 12 hour shifts but does anyone know the start times i.e. 6am-6pm, 6pm-6am? And also whether there is a "hand over" at the start and end of each shift which I need to factor into when I arrive. I have been looking at transport to get to and from work and it seems my local lines won't get me to work on time if it's at 6am. I am going to cycle commute full time but when the weather is dangerous out I'd like to know if I can get the tube or whether it would be a night bus.
Cheers in advance!

Generally most signallers aim to arrive a few minutes early, regardless of the local (‘domestic’) shift changegeover times. Unlike some other industries, shift handover takes place during your paid shift. If the shift starts at 06:00 I would aim to be in the signalbox at 05:50ish. The formal handover for signallers is usually pretty brief during normal operations but can take a but longer during degraded working. Some people like to stay and chat after the formal handover is complete but that’s their choice (although, strictly according to the Rule Book, they’re supposed to ’leave immediately‘ as it puts it). The odd few would appear to not have a home to go to and would seemingly on stay for the whole next shift if you didn’t chase them out of the door.

 

[Goggins]

Finally got a start date for September 4th with some online training to be done before starting Signalling School on October 9th in Bristol, anyone else attending this one?

Can anyone tell me which hotel is used for Bristol training and is it close to the Signalling School?

 

[ejh93]

Best of luck mate! When did you find out where your school would be?

Thank you, I hope your training goes well too!

I found out about 2 weeks ago, I was lucky enough that my current employment only requires a 1 week notice. They rang me a few days before my medical to ask if the date was ok and then told me the location.

I was then contacted regarding ordering my uniform but haven’t heard too much since. No idea what hotel I’m staying in or where the exact training location is

 

[GMTUK]

Had my interview this morning for York ROC G7. Felt it went well although have said that the previous 4 times, but felt like I sold myself better this time. To my surprise was advised I would find out tomorrow if I were successful or not, unlike the normal 3/4 weeks of waiting, also told the post went internal also so Fingers crossed I’ve done enough this time.

 

[vinoboxer]

In middle of IST now.

Entering into third week next week with a good solid grounding of normal mode of signalling but obviously, it gets tricky when you bring in the more complex stuff and how you try and piece it all together. Had a few dark moments when I thought, there's not a chance I'm passing this but then, surprise myself by passing one exam already with 98% and being able to handle a timetable of trains and junction working with obstruction danger thrown in for good measure.

Still struggle on a few of the more complex regulations like blocking back and out of guage movements...

Hard course, but the desire and will to pass it is there!

 

[PF19]

In middle of IST now.

Entering into third week next week with a good solid grounding of normal mode of signalling but obviously, it gets tricky when you bring in the more complex stuff and how you try and piece it all together. Had a few dark moments when I thought, there's not a chance I'm passing this but then, surprise myself by passing one exam already with 98% and being able to handle a timetable of trains and junction working with obstruction danger thrown in for good measure.

Still struggle on a few of the more complex regulations like blocking back and out of guage movements...

Hard course, but the desire and will to pass it is there!

We're just finishing Week 3, had our first practical observation this week!
Good work, keep it going!
Blocking back/OOG - things like this will click into place when you start using them more for the likes of LBs/T3s, OOG is a odd one but remember Goldilocks and the 3 bears and you'll be fine!

 

[Goggins]

In middle of IST now.

Entering into third week next week with a good solid grounding of normal mode of signalling but obviously, it gets tricky when you bring in the more complex stuff and how you try and piece it all together. Had a few dark moments when I thought, there's not a chance I'm passing this but then, surprise myself by passing one exam already with 98% and being able to handle a timetable of trains and junction working with obstruction danger thrown in for good measure.

Still struggle on a few of the more complex regulations like blocking back and out of guage movements...

Hard course, but the desire and will to pass it is there!

Thanks for the heads up mate.. Can't help but feel concerned that I'm handing my notice in asap, and know that there's a possibility of not passing.. Pretty daunting
But i just need to make sure i pass.. What was the online training like before starting Signalling School? Which one are you at also?

 

[MylesHSG]

Generally most signallers aim to arrive a few minutes early, regardless of the local (‘domestic’) shift changegeover times. Unlike some other industries, shift handover takes place during your paid shift. If the shift starts at 06:00 I would aim to be in the signalbox at 05:50ish. The formal handover for signallers is usually pretty brief during normal operations but can take a but longer during degraded working. Some people like to stay and chat after the formal handover is complete but that’s their choice (although, strictly according to the Rule Book, they’re supposed to ’leave immediately‘ as it puts it). The odd few would appear to not have a home to go to and would seemingly on stay for the whole next shift if you didn’t chase them out of the door.

Gas and lecky are expensive, the signal box is nice and toasty

 

[PF19]

Thanks for the heads up mate.. Can't help but feel concerned that I'm handing my notice in asap, and know that there's a possibility of not passing.. Pretty daunting
But i just need to make sure i pass.. What was the online training like before starting Signalling School? Which one are you at also?

Personally, I found the online training a waste of time, it gave you such a basic version of what you are going to be learning that it's hardly useful.
Don't be scared of the Week 1 test, it ain't that bad, our whole class got >90%
If you want a heads up, look at general PTS, What various signs mean on the railway, definitions of on or near the line etc

 

[vinoboxer]

Yeah. When you pass the week 1 assessment (and I say when, not if) then you'll realise that you really shouldn't be there if you can't pass it.

What I was meaning was that it confirms that you are taking stuff in and you do know more than you think you do. So, in those moments of freaking out during week 1 and thinking 'I've made a mistake coming here I'm just not getting this/will my old job be available etc' (I had those exact thoughts and they are still at the back of my mind) you'll have something to build on and I think that's what key to this course.

Yes it's intense, of course it is. It has to be. The trick is to take it all in at bite size chunks and build on it.

 

[Jordan4321]

Hi guys first time posting on here but have recently applied to pembrey and Ferryside signal boxes but I was just wondering how long these boxes will open for, as I’ve seen a few posts that they were planning on closing them in march 2024 but signaller school would be starting in January 2024 for this role, so I was wondering if the plans for this has been delayed to a further? And I was also wondering if these were a 12 or 8 hour boxes?

 

[Donnygaz]

Hi guys first time posting on here but have recently applied to pembrey and Ferryside signal boxes but I was just wondering how long these boxes will open for, as I’ve seen a few posts that they were planning on closing them in march 2024 but signaller school would be starting in January 2024 for this role, so I was wondering if the plans for this has been delayed to a further? And I was also wondering if these were a 12 or 8 hour boxes?

when I had a similar query I went on signal box.org, just click on Section C, that lists all the upcoming and past alterations (Some of which have been delayed or scrapped completely). I think the boxes you mentioned are listed as having been closed in 2022, so if still open…..? Hope this helps if nobody can give you any better information. Good Luck

 

[Jordan4321]

when I had a similar query I went on signal box.org, just click on Section C, that lists all the upcoming and past alterations (Some of which have been delayed or scrapped completely). I think the boxes you mentioned are listed as having been closed in 2022, so if still open…..? Hope this helps if nobody can give you any better information. Good Luck

Yeah it’s weird both the boxes are saying closed in 2022 hopefully it’s been delayed for a year or two

Cheers for the help