A career as a signaller

[Dazza75]

Yeah the 28th April is the one.

You up there?

I am mate yeah, see you there!

Heard back today- unsuccessful after interview.

Gutted, to say the least. Thought I'd done well and put myself across well, but it would appear not.

Oh sorry to hear that mate, gutted for you. Easier said than done but don't let it put you off, I have been rejected for it before. I got back on the horse and went again and finally got my reward. Keep trying pal and it will happen for you, I'm sure of it.

I would imagine your 2 weeks learning will start with Day 1 at Perth with Alison (who is lovely) you get set up on the laptop etc with log in details and go over some basics, then you’ll work from home on e-learning. We did this and I’ve just completed week 10 IST at Shettleston. We did get to go and visit a few signal boxes and level crossings over our 2 weeks, but it was predominantly from home. I think we had 3 days in office and the rest from home.

As for travel, as mentioned above you travel through the Sunday and get paid travel time for doing so. You just email that in every week. Some have mentioned being paid a set time, I have been paid my exact travel time for each week.

Good luck when it comes.

How did you get on mate in your training? Have you passed the IST? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you as you have worked so blooming hard for it and have always taken the time on here to help others.

 

[The Difference]

I am mate yeah, see you there!


Oh sorry to hear that mate, gutted for you. Easier said than done but don't let it put you off, I have been rejected for it before. I got back on the horse and went again and finally got my reward. Keep trying pal and it will happen for you, I'm sure of it.


How did you get on mate in your training? Have you passed the IST? I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you as you have worked so blooming hard for it and have always taken the time on here to help others.

Hi mate, thanks for your kind words, it’s appreciated. I will always help others if I can, as I have gained a fountain of knowledge from this group alone through others sharing.

I passed my AB 10 week course and I’m currently just taking 5mins away from MORE studying for the 2 week TCBC course I’m currently on now. I sit my practical assessment for this next Wed or Thur, and then do the written assessment next Friday if the practical goes well, so fingers crossed and I’ll keep you posted.

 

[SimplyLovely]

Hi Everybody,

I start my two weeks pre course learning on the 14th April then IST course in Perth two weeks later.

Is the initial pre course learning done in the office or at home?

In terms of traveling to Perth I am from Ayrshire, is parking etc included at the accommodation or is it better to get the train up day before everything starts?

Thanks

Just finishing up my IST in Perth now, pre learning was a mix, mostly at home but there was a couple of admin days in the station and we did some level crossing visits and box visits too.

Most of our lot get the train in but there are a couple of us (myself included) that live close by so just drive in as it would take longer to get to the nearest train station to then get a train to Perth.

Network Rail will pay for hotel parking, however you need to pay it upfront and then claim it back on expenses, so most people just leave them at the station. Technically it’s a paid car park but if you put your network rail vest over the steering wheel that’s fine 99% of the time, and if you actually get given a ticket (very very unlikely) it’s a private car park so you can just put it in the bin.

We all had our hotels booked from Sunday night, regardless of where we were travelling from.

P.S Look after Neil, he is a good egg (he likes the Morrisons gluten free chocolate chip cookies)

 

[Ferretrugby]

Just finishing up my IST in Perth now, pre learning was a mix, mostly at home but there was a couple of admin days in the station and we did some level crossing visits and box visits too.

Most of our lot get the train in but there are a couple of us (myself included) that live close by so just drive in as it would take longer to get to the nearest train station to then get a train to Perth.

Network Rail will pay for hotel parking, however you need to pay it upfront and then claim it back on expenses, so most people just leave them at the station. Technically it’s a paid car park but if you put your network rail vest over the steering wheel that’s fine 99% of the time, and if you actually get given a ticket (very very unlikely) it’s a private car park so you can just put it in the bin.

We all had our hotels booked from Sunday night, regardless of where we were travelling from.

P.S Look after Neil, he is a good egg (he likes the Morrisons gluten free chocolate chip cookies)

That's great thanks for that.

I am around 2h 30 away from Perth on the train. Do all the admin days take place in Perth or are they done in the Glasgow way or elsewhere.

Does the annual leave process kick in once you start IST I have a wedding in November (best man) and the recruitment team have advised that I wait until I start on the 14th to submit a request.thanks

 

[SimplyLovely]

That's great thanks for that.

I am around 2h 30 away from Perth on the train. Do all the admin days take place in Perth or are they done in the Glasgow way or elsewhere.

Does the annual leave process kick in once you start IST I have a wedding in November (best man) and the recruitment team have advised that I wait until I start on the 14th to submit a request.thanks

All of ours were in Perth as that’s where the training team are for the course. The box visits and level crossings will likely be closer to home.

Best thing to do re annual leave is just ask your LOM when you start, not requested any time off yet so not sure what process is before you are on a roster

 

[CrossfitGuy]

Hi Everybody,

I start my two weeks pre course learning on the 14th April then IST course in Perth two weeks later.

Is the initial pre course learning done in the office or at home?

In terms of traveling to Perth I am from Ayrshire, is parking etc included at the accommodation or is it better to get the train up day before everything starts?

Thanks

Hi,

I am from Ayrshire also, who is your manager? Mine is Darren from kilmarnock signal box...

Richie

Hi Everybody,

I start my two weeks pre course learning on the 14th April then IST course in Perth two weeks later.

Is the initial pre course learning done in the office or at home?

In terms of traveling to Perth I am from Ayrshire, is parking etc included at the accommodation or is it better to get the train up day before everything starts?

Thanks

Hi,

I am from ayrshire as well, I start at the same time as you, would be great to liaise with each other for the travelling and studying??

Richie

 

[Dazza75]

Hi mate, thanks for your kind words, it’s appreciated. I will always help others if I can, as I have gained a fountain of knowledge from this group alone through others sharing.

I passed my AB 10 week course and I’m currently just taking 5mins away from MORE studying for the 2 week TCBC course I’m currently on now. I sit my practical assessment for this next Wed or Thur, and then do the written assessment next Friday if the practical goes well, so fingers crossed and I’ll keep you posted

You're welcome mate, I mean it. The wealth of knowledge and the input from lads and lasses on here is invaluable but you are one of them as well. Some would just take what they need and move on but you give your valued input pal and I appreciate it.

I'm chuffed to bits for you, you have put in the hard work and reaped the rewards, it's so deserved. Blooming heck, it's all good for you at the minute, it'll soon be over though and I've no doubt you'll smash the final bit. Good luck mate and keep me posted

 

[Badger27]

Currently a four week roster, the boxes shut on Saturday and Sunday nights. Hoping to get the roster changed to something better, there's even talk of weekends being 24 hour which would give a better roster I believe?

This is the roster for residents, the relief roster is different.

Week 1
Tues night, Wednesday night, Saturday late, Sunday late
Week 2
Monday night, Friday day, Saturday early, Sunday early
Week 3
Monday day, Thursday night, Friday night
Week 4
Tuesday day, Wednesday day, Thursday day

12 hour shifts or 8 hours?

Currently a four week roster, the boxes shut on Saturday and Sunday nights. Hoping to get the roster changed to something better, there's even talk of weekends being 24 hour which would give a better roster I believe?

This is the roster for residents, the relief roster is different.

Week 1
Tues night, Wednesday night, Saturday late, Sunday late
Week 2
Monday night, Friday day, Saturday early, Sunday early
Week 3
Monday day, Thursday night, Friday night
Week 4
Tuesday day, Wednesday day, Thursday day

Also are you at Brampton box? Is it Grade 2 or 3? Thanks

 

[md81]

hi all,

first post here. I applied for a G2 trainee job. When I checked the 50 minute travel rule before applying it was ok, but when the assessment centre checked it wasn't. I feel a little daft, but my question is about the 'pool' which I've been put into for future applicants. How often do G2 roles come up in the Chesterfield/Derby area, will I be waiting a while? I was feeling confident after the initial tests which I felt went pretty well.

 

[High Dyke]

hi all,

first post here. I applied for a G2 trainee job. When I checked the 50 minute travel rule before applying it was ok, but when the assessment centre checked it wasn't. I feel a little daft, but my question is about the 'pool' which I've been put into for future applicants. How often do G2 roles come up in the Chesterfield/Derby area, will I be waiting a while? I was feeling confident after the initial tests which I felt went pretty well.

Welcome. The 'Pool' is how they categorise new starters attending IST, that may not have a designated location. However, that doesn't mean you will be a Grade two signaller, it may be a higher grade

There are G2 boxes on the North Staffs (Derby - Stoke-on-Trent). These are administered by Derby management. EMCC is graded higher. There's also some Grade 1 locations, but you don't go to IST for those positions. I'm not certain which boxes are still open on the GC route (Worksop - Sheffield) area.

Frequency of vacancies coming up can always be a difficult one to answer. Some locations seem to be a bit of a revolving door, whilst others may not have a vacancy for a prolonged period of time.

 

[Ducatist4]

Shirebrook Box is still open on the Robin Hood Line.

 

[godfreycomplex]

Heard back today- unsuccessful after interview.

Gutted, to say the least. Thought I'd done well and put myself across well, but it would appear not.

Sorry to hear that, bad luck. Keep plugging away if it's the direction you want to go in

 

[md81]

Welcome. The 'Pool' is how they categorise new starters attending IST, that may not have a designated location. However, that doesn't mean you will be a Grade two signaller, it may be a higher grade

There are G2 boxes on the North Staffs (Derby - Stoke-on-Trent). These are administered by Derby management. EMCC is graded higher. There's also some Grade 1 locations, but you don't go to IST for those positions. I'm not certain which boxes are still open on the GC route (Worksop - Sheffield) area.

Frequency of vacancies coming up can always be a difficult one to answer. Some locations seem to be a bit of a revolving door, whilst others may not have a vacancy for a prolonged period of time.

thanks. I'll keep an eye on it

 

[HamSandwich]

12 hour shifts or 8 hours?


Also are you at Brampton box? Is it Grade 2 or 3? Thanks

12 hour shifts Mon-Fri, then Sat is shorter, roughly 0530-1400 or 1400-0010, Sunday is shorter still, 0815-1400 or 1400-2245. Brampton Fell is a grade 2 box. I'm on the West Line but not at Brampton.

 

[Badger27]

12 hour shifts Mon-Fri, then Sat is shorter, roughly 0530-1400 or 1400-0010, Sunday is shorter still, 0815-1400 or 1400-2245. Brampton Fell is a grade 2 box. I'm on the West Line but not at Brampton.

Thanks

For those who have started the job in the last year or so, can I ask, is it what you thought it would be??

I applied for a role last year and had my heart set on it but failed at interview. Now another G2 role near myself has been advertised and I have just done the video interview stage.

In the meantime I have been working as a H&S Manager, £47.5k a year, Monday to Friday 8-4 and 30 days leave a year. I enjoy it, but I used to work shifts which this isn’t, the holidays are not the best, and I cannot just knock off at 4pm.

Ideally I would like to work in a higher grade box but that would be for the future, it’s the work life balance and opportunities that attract me.

Any opinions from people who have changed careers?

 

[Kraken]

Thanks

For those who have started the job in the last year or so, can I ask, is it what you thought it would be??

I applied for a role last year and had my heart set on it but failed at interview. Now another G2 role near myself has been advertised and I have just done the video interview stage.

In the meantime I have been working as a H&S Manager, £47.5k a year, Monday to Friday 8-4 and 30 days leave a year. I enjoy it, but I used to work shifts which this isn’t, the holidays are not the best, and I cannot just knock off at 4pm.

Ideally I would like to work in a higher grade box but that would be for the future, it’s the work life balance and opportunities that attract me.

Any opinions from people who have changed careers?

I changed careers 5 years ago from a 9-5 office job on £35k to a Grade 3 relief (+18%) in single-manned boxes and to be honest I wish I’d done it 10 years sooner. I get days off during the week when the kids are in school to do stuff around the house. When I am on a rest day I get to do both school runs which joking aside I do count as a bonus.

The 12hr roster I’m on gives us an 8 day solid chunk of rest days every four weeks from Wednesday to Wednesday which is such a gift. I’m on leave at the moment and I’m having 17 days off work for the use of 6 days of annual leave because of this.

When I’m at work in a lone location I’m my own boss and I get to decide what to do with train running and any problems without a manager or colleague looking over my shoulder. I get plenty of downtime during the working day to read books, build models or just have a cup of tea and watch the wildlife. Also I enjoy watching great stinking trains come barreling past the box, the actual job is fun.

Obviously it’s not all roses - for all that I love working alone I do miss the banter and general chitchat of the office environment. Also I utterly hate working night shifts into my rest days or holiday since it takes out most of the next day sleeping. It’s not a job that I think you can particularly excel at - if you’re competent at your job nobody will ever notice, but make one mistake and the rumour mill fires up very quickly! But overall the working conditions, the work-life balance and, yes, the money are all fantastic to me and I haven’t regretted the change for a second. Not saying everyone has the same experience obviously, but for me coming in 5 years ago with no railway interest or knowledge it’s been the absolute perfect job and I actually find myself looking forward to going into work some weeks.

 

[CoachB]

Thanks

For those who have started the job in the last year or so, can I ask, is it what you thought it would be??

I applied for a role last year and had my heart set on it but failed at interview. Now another G2 role near myself has been advertised and I have just done the video interview stage.

In the meantime I have been working as a H&S Manager, £47.5k a year, Monday to Friday 8-4 and 30 days leave a year. I enjoy it, but I used to work shifts which this isn’t, the holidays are not the best, and I cannot just knock off at 4pm.

Ideally I would like to work in a higher grade box but that would be for the future, it’s the work life balance and opportunities that attract me.

Any opinions from people who have changed careers?

It's been a year since I started with NR.

For me personally the job is what I thought it would be. I knew it would be lone working which is a major change having come from retail but the flip side of that is I'm not dealing with the public anymore.

The difference in work life balance for me has again been night and day. 4 or 5 shifts on depending on if I'm on that Sunday or not followed by 4 or 5 days off again depending on Sunday working.

However as much as you are spending your day by yourself you are part of a wider team, I've found everyone else on the line very helpful, friendly and welcoming during my time so far.

 

[Badger27]

I changed careers 5 years ago from a 9-5 office job on £35k to a Grade 3 relief (+18%) in single-manned boxes and to be honest I wish I’d done it 10 years sooner. I get days off during the week when the kids are in school to do stuff around the house. When I am on a rest day I get to do both school runs which joking aside I do count as a bonus.

The 12hr roster I’m on gives us an 8 day solid chunk of rest days every four weeks from Wednesday to Wednesday which is such a gift. I’m on leave at the moment and I’m having 17 days off work for the use of 6 days of annual leave because of this.

When I’m at work in a lone location I’m my own boss and I get to decide what to do with train running and any problems without a manager or colleague looking over my shoulder. I get plenty of downtime during the working day to read books, build models or just have a cup of tea and watch the wildlife. Also I enjoy watching great stinking trains come barreling past the box, the actual job is fun.

Obviously it’s not all roses - for all that I love working alone I do miss the banter and general chitchat of the office environment. Also I utterly hate working night shifts into my rest days or holiday since it takes out most of the next day sleeping. It’s not a job that I think you can particularly excel at - if you’re competent at your job nobody will ever notice, but make one mistake and the rumour mill fires up very quickly! But overall the working conditions, the work-life balance and, yes, the money are all fantastic to me and I haven’t regretted the change for a second. Not saying everyone has the same experience obviously, but for me coming in 5 years ago with no railway interest or knowledge it’s been the absolute perfect job and I actually find myself looking forward to going into work some weeks.

Sounds you were similar to myself.

Is there much happening on a night to keep you going? I imagine there are not many trains running?

If you don’t mind me asking what sort of monthly Net pay do you get as Grade 3 with your weekend and shift allowance etc. it’s hard to work out exact wages with all the different add ons.

I don’t mind working on my own at all but there are days when the office environment can be good banter and get you through when you aren’t feeling 100%

It's been a year since I started with NR.

For me personally the job is what I thought it would be. I knew it would be lone working which is a major change having come from retail but the flip side of that is I'm not dealing with the public anymore.

The difference in work life balance for me has again been night and day. 4 or 5 shifts on depending on if I'm on that Sunday or not followed by 4 or 5 days off again depending on Sunday working.

However as much as you are spending your day by yourself you are part of a wider team, I've found everyone else on the line very helpful, friendly and welcoming during my time so far.

Work life balance is one of the keys for me. Just a shame there are so many different shift patterns it’s hard to know what you’re going into at times.

They only do 35 hour average weeks though am I correct?

I joined a golf course in November and due to my work it’s been impossible to go during the week, I just want some days for myself

 

[Kraken]

Is there much happening on a night to keep you going? I imagine there are not many trains running?

On our line it used to be that you’d normally get a 2 hour gap or so in the middle of a night shift but there’s been a big increase in the freight services over the last 2 or 3 years so that now you can do as much work on a night shift as on a day. The real benefit of nights for me is that you don’t get people wanting to use level crossings so much, there are fewer requests for the signaller to block the line for maintenance, and you don’t get many visitors coming in to check the water temperatures/learn the box/fix a light fitting/distract you.

You will absolutely need something to keep you occupied at the lower grades though in my experience. Once you’ve been doing the job for a little while the mental load of doing the normal signalling drops off significantly and you need something to keep your mind ticking over.

I can’t figure out how to do multi quote things on here but as to your question about money, my figures are a bit skewed because I’m a relief and I feel I get offered quite a bit more overtime than residents simply because I sign more locations. I also get 18% on top of the grade 3 base for the embuggerance of not knowing my location and whether I’m on days or nights until the week before. So with all that said I get about £2900-£3500 every four weeks after deductions, depending on how much overtime I’ve done and whether there have been bank holidays etc. It’s rarely those outer numbers and much more often somewhere in the middle but we plan for me getting the lower amount for obvious reasons.

I try to stay out of roster discussions because they are so complex and bluntly I don’t understand them but I believe you are right that they are supposed to average out 35hr a week yes. Our 12hr roster is juggled about to get us that week off every month and I think it’s great, although there are some that would prefer to go back to the old 8hr roster where you got a bit of the morning or afternoon to yourself when you’re working the 06-14 or 14-22 shifts. Horses for courses I suppose.

Your golf point is a good one. Having not done shift work before I didn’t realise how much of a privilege it is getting to do your daily activities and pastimes at a time when everyone else is in work. Go to the swimming pool when it’s dead, get down to Tescos with all the old folk, it’s fantastic!

 

[CoachB]

Work life balance is one of the keys for me. Just a shame there are so many different shift patterns it’s hard to know what you’re going into at times.

They only do 35 hour average weeks though am I correct?

I joined a golf course in November and due to my work it’s been impossible to go during the week, I just want some days for myself

You're contracted 35 hours but on my line you end up doing an average 36 hour week and get a paid day off once every 12 weeks to make up for working an extra hour each week.

The shift patterns on my line are all the same on my line with the exception of two boxes that close from 18:00 Saturday until 07:00 Monday. Which is good as you're normally working to the same people unless they're off. All boxes are 12 hour shifts but shift handover times can vary depending on local box agreements.

You'd have no problem managing to get to the golf course through the week or having some days to yourself between shifts as a signaller.

 

[Leander45690]

Can I ask for some help on understanding the 50 minute rule and how it works in practice when applying to become a signaller and also progressing. Because like MD81 this has left me feeling a bit daft.

Sorry this is a long post.....

So I read the requirement as needing to live within 50 minutes, by car, walk or cycle to do the job. Which I quite understand and accept. Personally I would prefer to be less than 30 minutes away.

As I explained in my earlier post, I about to finish a degree and could potentially live anywhere. The "world's my oyster" as they say.....or not it would seem.

There are currently two boxes advertised. One, which in practice is 40 minutes from my parent's home, but which if I put their postcode in doesn't bring the box up on the search. Another is just 50 minutes away according to google maps from my University address but does come up on the search, but in any event I would want to move closer to.

But, the reality is I'd prefer not to live in either of those places long term. I'd like to move further south.

So when more boxes further south came up I decided to plump for one of those. Only to discover once into the application that they only take your current address (or the address at which you live to work) into account and when I emailed them to clarify that I had no ties and could live anyway at short notice was told "Unfortunately, we are unable to accept relocation as the training for the role begins shortly after the time of an offer."

Which has left me confused and not a little disappointed and frustrated - bearing in mind the how long many of you on here have said you've had to wait between offer and IST. And anyone in a job will surely have to give at least a month's notice. I then read MD81's post which said their search had put them within 50 minutes but it was only at the Assessment Centre that NR determined they weren't, but has been placed in the Pool (really pleased for you, well done. I hope something closer comes up soon - btw).

I would like to make signalling my career and progress, but wonder how that is possible if you can only apply for roles 50 minutes of where you currently live. And suggests that you have to be careful not to choose something to start which is close by in the hope to be able move up and/or away at a later date, because that can't happen.

Should I just continue with this application? I'm at a loss how best to go forward now. So your experiences and knowledge would be much appreciated.

 

[CoachB]

Can I ask for some help on understanding the 50 minute rule and how it works in practice when applying to become a signaller and also progressing. Because like MD81 this has left me feeling a bit daft.

Don't quote me on this but my general understanding for England is you need to be within the 50 minutes of the box (Scotland we have to be within 60 minutes). I believe that they check this using traffic data to see how long it would take to get from your address to the signalbox for handover times. Due to this it's possible that if you are already cutting it close on a good day with no traffic then it's more than likely you'll be over the 50 minutes when the road is busier. It's all down to the fatigue rules and your not allowed to be away from home for more than 14 hours in order to ensure you are fully rested for your next shift.

Once you're in a role NR are still big on you being within the timescales (they don't relax once you're in the door) and if you're not then you are expected to move to bring yourself within those time limits. They again will check the time it takes to get from your address to the signalbox.

I've known of signallers on my line hounded for their new address because their old address was outside of the timescales which meant they didn't comply with the fatigue rules

 

[UPhi]

Can I ask for some help on understanding the 50 minute rule and how it works in practice when applying to become a signaller and also progressing. Because like MD81 this has left me feeling a bit daft.

Sorry this is a long post.....

So I read the requirement as needing to live within 50 minutes, by car, walk or cycle to do the job. Which I quite understand and accept. Personally I would prefer to be less than 30 minutes away.

As I explained in my earlier post, I about to finish a degree and could potentially live anywhere. The "world's my oyster" as they say.....or not it would seem.

There are currently two boxes advertised. One, which in practice is 40 minutes from my parent's home, but which if I put their postcode in doesn't bring the box up on the search. Another is just 50 minutes away according to google maps from my University address but does come up on the search, but in any event I would want to move closer to.

But, the reality is I'd prefer not to live in either of those places long term. I'd like to move further south.

So when more boxes further south came up I decided to plump for one of those. Only to discover once into the application that they only take your current address (or the address at which you live to work) into account and when I emailed them to clarify that I had no ties and could live anyway at short notice was told "Unfortunately, we are unable to accept relocation as the training for the role begins shortly after the time of an offer."

Which has left me confused and not a little disappointed and frustrated - bearing in mind the how long many of you on here have said you've had to wait between offer and IST. And anyone in a job will surely have to give at least a month's notice. I then read MD81's post which said their search had put them within 50 minutes but it was only at the Assessment Centre that NR determined they weren't, but has been placed in the Pool (really pleased for you, well done. I hope something closer comes up soon - btw).

I would like to make signalling my career and progress, but wonder how that is possible if you can only apply for roles 50 minutes of where you currently live. And suggests that you have to be careful not to choose something to start which is close by in the hope to be able move up and/or away at a later date, because that can't happen.

Should I just continue with this application? I'm at a loss how best to go forward now. So your experiences and knowledge would be much appreciated.

I'm new to this myself, just about to start IST.

But from what more knowledgeable people have said is to get your foot in the door, then apply for a box where you would wish to live.

Maybe use your parents address, get the role & take it from there.

Apparently there are far more internal vacancies than external.

Good luck!

 

[Leander45690]

I'm new to this myself, just about to start IST.

But from what more knowledgeable people have said is to get your foot in the door, then apply for a box where you would wish to live.

Maybe use your parents address, get the role & take it from there.

Apparently there are far more internal vacancies than external.

Good luck!

Thank you. Congratulations on getting through.

To be honest that's what I assumed - which is why I was happy to go for whatever was local to get started. But after being told you can't apply unless you're within 50 minutes I just didn't want to risk getting stuck in the wrong place because you can only ever apply for something within 50 minutes of where you are. It seemed easier to move away now when I have no ties and obligations and can go wherever.

I was also concerned about whether you can apply across routes and regions. I understand that each route/region has to meet the cost of the training so can't afford for people to move away.

If it's possible to move across country and region once you're in then that's fine. Anyone done that?

Still not sure whether because the box doesn't come up when I search using my parent's postcode that that will prevent me getting through if it is actually within 50 minutes. Again I'd move closer anyway.

It would be good to hear from anyone who has been able to get in by relocating or has been able to progress by relocating.

I'm new to this myself, just about to start IST.

But from what more knowledgeable people have said is to get your foot in the door, then apply for a box where you would wish to live.

Maybe use your parents address, get the role & take it from there.

Apparently there are far more internal vacancies than external.

Good luck!

Just to clarify. Are you suggesting that you apply and if you get in try to apply for a different box straight after IST - in which case I assume it would have to be in the same region, or wait until you're trained and then apply for internal vacancies? I thought from what I'd read previously they frown upon you trying to change location before you even start.

 

[UPhi]

Thank you. Congratulations on getting through.

To be honest that's what I assumed - which is why I was happy to go for whatever was local to get started. But after being told you can't apply unless you're within 50 minutes I just didn't want to risk getting stuck in the wrong place because you can only ever apply for something within 50 minutes of where you are. It seemed easier to move away now when I have no ties and obligations and can go wherever.

I was also concerned about whether you can apply across routes and regions. I understand that each route/region has to meet the cost of the training so can't afford for people to move away.

If it's possible to move across country and region once you're in then that's fine. Anyone done that?

Still not sure whether because the box doesn't come up when I search using my parent's postcode that that will prevent me getting through if it is actually within 50 minutes. Again I'd move closer anyway.

It would be good to hear from anyone who has been able to get in by relocating or has been able to progress by relocating.


Just to clarify. Are you suggesting that you apply and if you get in try to apply for a different box straight after IST - in which case I assume it would have to be in the same region, or wait until you're trained and then apply for internal vacancies? I thought from what I'd read previously they frown upon you trying to change location before you even start.

Again just going off my limited research.

You don't apply for a box per se. You apply for an area and once in IST then start to apply for boxes within that area.

If you have your heart set on living in a certain area, maybe move there first then apply.
However, maybe do some research into how often vacancies become available in that area...
If it's a quiet area, you could be waiting a long time for a vacancy then have a huge amount of competition for that one role.

I think you need to stay within the area for at least a year after IST before applying for anywhere else, which is fair as they have invested in you.
Cant really see an issue with moving to another location (after that year) if a vacancy is available. People move internally within a company all the time.

 

[Iddybiddy05]

Has anybody heard whether the latest pay offer has any real effect terms wise on signallers, I know maintenance as usual about soon as aspects of the offer.

 

[Leander45690]

Again just going off my limited research.

You don't apply for a box per se. You apply for an area and once in IST then start to apply for boxes within that area.

If you have your heart set on living in a certain area, maybe move there first then apply.
However, maybe do some research into how often vacancies become available in that area...
If it's a quiet area, you could be waiting a long time for a vacancy then have a huge amount of competition for that one role.

I think you need to stay within the area for at least a year after IST before applying for anywhere else, which is fair as they have invested in you.
Cant really see an issue with moving to another location (after that year) if a vacancy is available. People move internally within a company all the time.

Thanks again. I got the impression that the location on the advert is a bit of a red herring, which I assume is why Low Row isn't actually coming up as within 50 minutes, because it might be, but the area isn't. I wonder if that's the difference between those which say Trainee and those which don't.

Thanks too for the advice. I was thinking along those lines. But it helps to understand the process - the devil's in the detail. And detail is everything.

It does feel a bit like I'll have to stick a pin in the map, if nothing comes up in Cumbria which is actually within 50 minutes. All the close ones came up last October when it was too soon for me to apply. But I'll see what happens and allow it to develop my patience and tenacity. More time to practice and hone my NTSs!

I'll still welcome anyone else's experience or knowledge, if there's more to add.

Don't quote me on this but my general understanding for England is you need to be within the 50 minutes of the box (Scotland we have to be within 60 minutes). I believe that they check this using traffic data to see how long it would take to get from your address to the signalbox for handover times. Due to this it's possible that if you are already cutting it close on a good day with no traffic then it's more than likely you'll be over the 50 minutes when the road is busier. It's all down to the fatigue rules and your not allowed to be away from home for more than 14 hours in order to ensure you are fully rested for your next shift.

Once you're in a role NR are still big on you being within the timescales (they don't relax once you're in the door) and if you're not then you are expected to move to bring yourself within those time limits. They again will check the time it takes to get from your address to the signalbox.

I've known of signallers on my line hounded for their new address because their old address was outside of the timescales which meant they didn't comply with the fatigue rules

Thanks CoachB. I definitely don't want to be away from home for more than 13 hours if I can help it. The idea of doing 12 hours and then being on the road for 50 minutes does not appeal. Which is why I thought haviing flexibility and applying for something and then finding somewhere to live within 30 minutes would be a sensible idea.

I'm not surprised that its 60 minutes in Scotland - but more surprised that they haven't applied that to the Borders - because north Cumbria is just as remote and less densely populated than Midlothian say.

Thanks again. I got the impression that the location on the advert is a bit of a red herring, which I assume is why Low Row isn't actually coming up as within 50 minutes, because it might be, but the area isn't. I wonder if that's the difference between those which say Trainee and those which don't.

Thanks too for the advice. I was thinking along those lines. But it helps to understand the process - the devil's in the detail. And detail is everything.

It does feel a bit like I'll have to stick a pin in the map, if nothing comes up in Cumbria which is actually within 50 minutes. All the close ones came up last October when it was too soon for me to apply. But I'll see what happens and allow it to develop my patience and tenacity. More time to practice and hone my NTSs!

I'll still welcome anyone else's experience or knowledge, if there's more to add.


Thanks CoachB. I definitely don't want to be away from home for more than 13 hours if I can help it. The idea of doing 12 hours and then being on the road for 50 minutes does not appeal. Which is why I thought haviing flexibility and applying for something and then finding somewhere to live within 30 minutes would be a sensible idea.

I'm not surprised that its 60 minutes in Scotland - but more surprised that they haven't applied that to the Borders - because north Cumbria is just as remote and less densely populated than Midlothian say.

(More not just as remote)

 

[High Dyke]

Has anybody heard whether the latest pay offer has any real effect terms wise on signallers, I know maintenance as usual about soon as aspects of the offer.

The revised offer at least got to RPI. There's a rewording of Rostering Principles, affecting night working into rest/free days. Minor changes to Personal Daily Travel Allowance (PDTA) for qualifying staff (not something applicable to new starters). Extension of the probationary period.

 

[Iddybiddy05]

The revised offer at least got to RPI. There's a rewording of Rostering Principles, affecting night working into rest/free days. Minor changes to Personal Daily Travel Allowance (PDTA) for qualifying staff (not something applicable to new starters). Extension of the probationary period.

It would be nice to see it made easier to remove trainees who are sub standard so an extension to the probation period is a good idea.

Accept then from a signallers POV?

 

[hporter95]

Good evening all, I am just looking for some advice and help. I am looking at applying for signaller jobs. When looking at the network rail job page there are jobs labelled at G2-trainee and some labelled at different grades. I assume as I am not already a signaller I can only apply for the trainee roles or can you apply for any role on the website. I have tried to find the answer but have hit brick wall. Any help would be appreciated.