Signaller assessment

[scally]

Hi everyone, Just looking for a bit of information if anyone can help. I've recently applied for a Grade 9 Signaller position. If i pass my telephone Safety critical communications exam then i guess i'll be invited to an assessment day. Does anybody know what this day invloves and is it similar to a drivers assessment day, i.e same tests?
This is all quite new to me, i'm not even sure of how many Grades there are or what is the highest.
Any information will be much appreciated.
Thanks.

 

[Maxfly]

It sounds like something new since I started, I take it this is prior to the psycometric tests??? The comms test will show your knowledge on the likes of phonetic alphabet, repeating back, radio protocols etc

Grade 9 is a pretty high grade of a box, think you can get a 10 but that's mainly for SM's in a grade 9 box, well that's my experience from speaking to folk in the WSSC springburn. Could b wrong though

 

[Metroland]

Similar sorts of tests to Drivers, with a few changes. The idea is to test if you can work fast accurately using memory, numeracy and literacy tests, and other tests and assessments.

Grade 9 is a very high grade for a starting post, and virtually unheard of outside London, so this must be the London area I would assume.

As a rough guide

Grade 1 - Crossing Keepers
Grade 2 - Passing mechanical SB
Grade 3 - Micro panel/modest mechanical SB
Grade 4 - Mini panel/larger mechanical SB
Grade 5 - large/busy mechanical SB or small panel
Grade 6 - Medium size panel with medium traffic density
Grade 7 - Large PSB/IECC, with high density of traffic
Grade 8/9 - Very large or busy PSB/IECC, with very high traffic density or signalling managers. EG Victoria, Kings X, Birmingham NS, York, Rugby or Stoke SCC
Grade 10 - Supervisor/Signalling managers, and other senior ops grades such as controllers.

 

[scally]

Thanks for the replies. yes, the telephone safety critical comms test is prior to the psychometric tests.
I did'nt realise Grade 9 was that high!! feeling a little out of my depth now!, its for the Wimbledon area.
Well i suppose all i can do is give it my best shot. I currently work for a T.O.C, as a train dispatcher and Customer service.
Does anybody know if you fail the Signaller assessment then you have only one more try?(same for any potential drivers??)

 

[TheBigD]

I did all the assessments last year and started as a signaller in January. Whilst the tests make you think I wouldn't class them as particularly difficult.

As for going straight into a grade 9 it happens a fair bit. On the course that I did we had people of the street going into London Bridge and Liverpool Street.

Best of luck!

 

[GB]

If I remember correctly, with the first part of the psychometric on the computer screen you have a range of numbers from about 11 to 59 all in different colours and all mixed up. You have to go in order starting at 11 and press the right coloured button on the keyboard. The second part is similar only there is a small number which is a different colour below the main number and it is this colour you have to use.

 

[strange6]

If I remember correctly, with the first part of the psychometric on the computer screen you have a range of numbers from about 11 to 59 all in different colours and all mixed up. You have to go in order starting at 11 and press the right coloured button on the keyboard. The second part is similar only there is a small number which is a different colour below the main number and it is this colour you have to use.

They're very clever tests but not particularly difficult if you keep a cool head, don't panic and think about what you're doing.

 

[Daniel]

its for the Wimbledon area.

Aha, I've applied for that too, so we'll be competing - although there are two vacancies!

Good luck out there..!

 

[mac]

Has anyone heard back about the signaller job in doncaster area?

 

[Toots]

I did all the assessments last year and started as a signaller in January. Whilst the tests make you think I wouldn't class them as particularly difficult.

As for going straight into a grade 9 it happens a fair bit. On the course that I did we had people of the street going into London Bridge and Liverpool Street.

Best of luck!

The assessment may not be difficult,but to the guys who have applied for these jobs,I would advise you do not underestimate the task ahead if you are successful.Although TCB in itself is less complicated rule wise than Absolute Block,the fact is any grade 9 box is extemely busy and the pressure can be immense.
Big D made reference to new guys being taken off the street and put into Liverpool st. IECC and this is true,but I know for a fact there were many difficulties in this process (I'm not talking about anyone in particular),but there were certainly problems and the training was very lengthy.
The problem is that with the disappearance of the smaller boxes,so to has gone the intensive training groung where you could learn the job and the rule book but not have the immense pressure of ten or so trains waiting at signals whilst you sort out the problem.
Signalling school gives a grounding and a basis for your career but it cannot replicate the problems and demands that arise at a Block post,and a grade 9 position delivers plenty of both.