A career as a signaller

[The Difference]

17 days is the total for the year. If you have to use three days for spring week, six days for summer fortnight and four days for winter week you would have four days left for ad hoc leave. Plus lieu days for bank holidays.

Thanks mate. I worked that out after my initial post. I currently get 33 days AL on a 5 on 3 off rota, so 5 days gets me 11 days off, which is very nice. I also get to use them all whenever I want (cover pending of course) but we have a spreadsheet to check against who is off and that way we can see if we will be granted or not before even asking. Going back to block weeks does put me off slightly, but I do really want this job! So it will not deter me. You get good days off due to the 12hr shifts, so that makes up for it I guess.

 

[The Puddock]

Thanks mate. I worked that out after my initial post. I currently get 33 days AL on a 5 on 3 off rota, so 5 days gets me 11 days off, which is very nice. I also get to use them all whenever I want (cover pending of course) but we have a spreadsheet to check against who is off and that way we can see if we will be granted or not before even asking. Going back to block weeks does put me off slightly, but I do really want this job! So it will not deter me. You get good days off due to the 12hr shifts, so that makes up for it I guess.

Yes, the annual leave allowance isn't particularly generous but at least most 12 hour rosters are built with a long weekend (6 or 7 rest days in a row) every few weeks, so you can have a trip away without using any leave. Working three days a week is like having a part time job anyway.

 

[The Difference]

Yes, the annual leave allowance isn't particularly generous but at least most 12 hour rosters are built with a long weekend (6 or 7 rest days in a row) every few weeks, so you can have a trip away without using any leave. Working three days a week is like having a part time job anyway.


Hello.

Yeah looking at it, the AL isn’t the best, but as you said you can book time away when off for those 6/7 day stretches. I have seen a copy of the rota for the location I have applied to, and minus one week where you work 4 on 1 off then on 3/4 again, the rest looks really good. You also go into 7 days off in a row after that bit of the rota, so makes up for it. Like you stated, you could easily book time away over those 7 RD stretches.

 

[Trackboy]

Can someone please send me Liverpool st IECC roster. Thanks.

 

[emtm21]

I gathered the block weeks would maybe use less AL days, so thanks for clearing that part up. I was curious in case they had some other formula of working it out. So using a lot less days for block weeks leaves more AL to take yourself (of course if it is granted when you bid for it) or have I read that wrong? Just to confirm, is the 17 days what you usually have left after your block weeks are in, or is that total pro rata AL for the year? Seems low if it’s the latter. Although I guess if a week off is only 3 or 4 days AL, then you still have around 4/5 weeks a year I guess.

Thanks.

**Edit** I already know the answer to my own question now, after reading that again!

I know it varies but I’m on a 12 hour roster and last year between annual leave, comp leave for bank holidays and the 8 days in each month I have off in one block, I had 20 full weeks off (plus the 2 or 3 rest days each week) Sometimes feels like a part time job!

 

[The Difference]

I know it varies but I’m on a 12 hour roster and last year between annual leave, comp leave for bank holidays and the 8 days in each month I have off in one block, I had 20 full weeks off (plus the 2 or 3 rest days each week) Sometimes feels like a part time job!

That is refreshing to hear as the AL part did make me think, considering what I would be leaving. Although I do really want this job, so it wouldn’t have been a factor anyway. I guess until you are actually following a roster properly, it is difficult to get an understanding of how it will actually be in real life. I have looked over and over the copy I received, trying to work out how good it would be to actually work, but it’s difficult to fully grasp unless you are actually following the rota yourself.

 

[Scot09]

Yeah mate take the hotel. And take the opportunity to study as a group as well. Dunno how to pm on this but if there’s a way and you want to message then feel free

Thank. Don’t think you can pm on this. Is that you finished the classroom training now?

 

[Signal_Box]

Ahh yes the good old accommodations, I'm sure as in the traincrew world there will be a few select offenders who maximise and bend the terms of contract as much as possible.

My personal favourite must be, I have young kids so I need to be accommodated to early turn only!

Does nobody else have kids then?

Hmmmmmm, funny how the majority suck it up and crack on isn’t it.

 

[Brett55]

Hi guys,
Random question, are some boxes run solo.

also are we given uniform before IST?

cheers

Hi guys,
Random question, are some boxes run solo.

also are we given uniform before IST?

cheers

 

[Zowie]

Anyone had been interviewed recently at Milton Keynes and has heard something back?

 

[The Puddock]

Hi guys,
Random question, are some boxes run solo.

Yes, lots and lots of signalboxes only have one signaller on duty per shift.

also are we given uniform before IST?

That depends on your LOM, although it's a brave manager who would order a load of uniform for you before you've passed the course...

 

[Buiadh]

That depends on your LOM, although it's a brave manager who would order a load of uniform for you before you've passed the course...

What does the uniform actually consist of? I've been in a few boxes and the signallers just seem to wear their own clothes.

 

[muz379]

What does the uniform actually consist of? I've been in a few boxes and the signallers just seem to wear their own clothes.

Theres a range of different uniform available with the typical items , Trousers , Polo's , T Shirts , Fleeces , Jumpers .

Ive not known anyone order the trousers . Some people wear Polos/T Shirts or Jumpers and fleeces.

But also a lot of own clothes . The wearing of uniform is not enforced .

 

[Zowie]

Anyone who had been interviewed recently at Milton Keynes heard something back?

 

[Brett55]

Yes, lots and lots of signalboxes only have one signaller on duty per shift.


That depends on your LOM, although it's a brave manager who would order a load of uniform for you before you've passed the course...

Much appreciated

 

[NRnoob]

Hi guys,

I've got my medical coming up soonish and was just wondering, besides from the obvious of drugs and alcohol, what are the main reasons one could fail the medical?

For some strange reason, I'm worried about the blood pressure part to the medical.

I bought one of those home BP monitors, and I'm hitting 143 over 83 which seems high in my opinion. I've done a few other tests, but they seem to vary. Don't know if I'm getting myself worked up here over nothing which would of course peak your BP lol.

I've even decided to cut out caffeine for the next two weeks on the lead up to my medical. I'm generally active, go to the gym etc.

Any advice?

Gosh, sounding proper neurotic! Hahah

 

[Lpf93]

Hi guys,

I've got my medical coming up soonish and was just wondering, besides from the obvious of drugs and alcohol, what are the main reasons one could fail the medical?

For some strange reason, I'm worried about the blood pressure part to the medical.

I bought one of those home BP monitors, and I'm hitting 143 over 83 which seems high in my opinion. I've done a few other tests, but they seem to vary. Don't know if I'm getting myself worked up here over nothing which would of course peak your BP lol.

I've even decided to cut out caffeine for the next two weeks on the lead up to my medical. I'm generally active, go to the gym etc.

Any advice?

Gosh, sounding proper neurotic! Hahah

Wouldn’t worry too much around the medical unless you fail the drug and alcohol. I believe it’s essentially a check up so that then you can get medication if needed for blood pressure for example/put reasonable adjustments in place

 

[Ducatist4]

143/83 at taken at home when you are nice and relaxed would be cause for concern. They might flag it up that you should see your GP and get it under control before they continue the recruitment process. I doubt they would bin you off at this stage though (unless it can't be controlled).

 

[DMckduck97]

Hi guys,

I've got my medical coming up soonish and was just wondering, besides from the obvious of drugs and alcohol, what are the main reasons one could fail the medical?

For some strange reason, I'm worried about the blood pressure part to the medical.

I bought one of those home BP monitors, and I'm hitting 143 over 83 which seems high in my opinion. I've done a few other tests, but they seem to vary. Don't know if I'm getting myself worked up here over nothing which would of course peak your BP lol.

I've even decided to cut out caffeine for the next two weeks on the lead up to my medical. I'm generally active, go to the gym etc.

Any advice?

Gosh, sounding proper neurotic! Hahah

With the medical the best advice I can give is only worry prior about the things which are fully in your control, so the obvious drugs and alcohol and leave the rest for the medical.

I'm sure you will be fine and ace it!

 

[Brett55]

Hi guys,

I've got my medical coming up soonish and was just wondering, besides from the obvious of drugs and alcohol, what are the main reasons one could fail the medical?

For some strange reason, I'm worried about the blood pressure part to the medical.

I bought one of those home BP monitors, and I'm hitting 143 over 83 which seems high in my opinion. I've done a few other tests, but they seem to vary. Don't know if I'm getting myself worked up here over nothing which would of course peak your BP lol.

I've even decided to cut out caffeine for the next two weeks on the lead up to my medical. I'm generally active, go to the gym etc.

Any advice?

Gosh, sounding proper neurotic! Hahah

Hey,

I had my medical a couple of months ago. You'll have a BP, hearing and eye test, a mobility test and a urine test. They will ask you about your family, medical and work history.

 

[NRnoob]

Thanks for the info guys.

Took another reading today, was down significantly and in normal mode. Think I was just stressed lol

 

[Jordan4321]

Thanks for the info guys.

Took another reading today, was down significantly and in normal mode. Think I was just stressed lol

Most likely, mine was the same on the day of the medical, they will run it a few times and if it’s still High wait until the end and re do it

 

[Kraken]

For some strange reason, I'm worried about the blood pressure part to the medical.

Mate I got myself so worked up about blood pressure before my medical I got my wife to stop putting salt in food 2 weeks before, I stopped all alcohol and caffeine, I just went really over the top about anything blood pressure related. When I finally went into the medical he told me that if my BP had been much lower he would have had to consider whether I was suitable for the job or not! So don’t go overboard - I’m sure it will be fine.

 

[Iddy015]

Any tips for week 5 ist exam?

 

[Lpf93]

Any tips for week 5 ist exam?

Remember the acronyms, very easy marks
Revise with colleagues using flash cards to ask each other questions
Ask if you can sit facing the panel. Might have stuff on there that will act as a reminder for you

 

[NRnoob]

Mate I got myself so worked up about blood pressure before my medical I got my wife to stop putting salt in food 2 weeks before, I stopped all alcohol and caffeine, I just went really over the top about anything blood pressure related. When I finally went into the medical he told me that if my BP had been much lower he would have had to consider whether I was suitable for the job or not! So don’t go overboard - I’m sure it will be fine.

Hahah, yeah, I'm currently going through that same phase of no caffeine. Ridiculous really, the lengths we go to convincing ourselves that one extreme will benefit us in some way!

 

[Iddy015]

Remember the acronyms, very easy marks
Revise with colleagues using flash cards to ask each other questions
Ask if you can sit facing the panel. Might have stuff on there that will act as a reminder for you

Thanks mate which acronyms , there is so many

 

[muz379]

Any tips for week 5 ist exam?

Dont rush to hand your paper in if you finish before the time is up , if you get chance go back through and double check your answers . You don't get any extra marks for finishing early , but you might be able to get yourself a few extra by double checking .

The big lists like reasons for passing signals at danger, arrangements for line blocks etc are worth a chunk of marks so make sure you are able to rattle those off comfortably .

In terms of revision techniques , that really is subjective . I found sitting round with classmates asking each other questions helped , but some in my class found sitting in their rooms writing out the lists and definitons helped them more .

 

[Lpf93]

Thanks mate which acronyms , there is so many

Just the ones you’ve been through so far in lessons on your timetable.
If you’re doing TCB and you’ve got 7 reasons to pass a signal at danger make sure you use TCB relevant ones

 

[MylesHSG]

Just to go back to the leave stuff. Do you get the extra 2 days on your anniversary of employment or is it in the next calender year? Mine is coming up...