A career as a signaller

[High Dyke]

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?

The choice to accept or refuse the offer is up to the individuals. That said, I've had colleagues say to me they were happy to accept the first offer made (2.6%). Feedback to the TU representatives are always welcome.

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.

You may apply for any grade of job that is advertised. However, if you are successful and then go to the Initial Signaller Training (IST) course, you are paid Grade two during the training irrespective of the actual grade for the location you applied for.

 

[Mi&Li]

Am I reading too much into this? A role I was put on reserve for over 5 years ago now is at the stage pre-employment checks, worth a call to ask or an error?

 

[mac]

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.

Can you explain what the rewording is concerning nights into rest days

 

[Iddybiddy05]

If it’s anything like our clerk does now it’ll be every night turn MUST end in a rest day, especially if your a relief !

 

[mac]

Or a rest day after working 6 hours

 

[High Dyke]

Can you explain what the rewording is concerning nights into rest days

Current Rostering Principles.(2023)

3.2 The following principles will apply to Night Turns into Annual Leave or Comp/Lieu Leave and Rest Days for stand-alone GPR signallers and resident signallers on base rostered GP turns:
3.2.1. Night turns will not be allocated to employees in this category prior to pre-booked and agreed annual leave or comp/lieu leave; this does not apply to resident employees when taking leave on their base rostered night turn weeks
3.2.2. Night turns may be allocated prior to free/ rest days or Sundays off duty, to employees in this category without prior agreement, but 32 hours rest between the end of the last turn and the start of the next turn will always be guaranteed. Instances of this should be kept to a minimum and monitored by Route Councils
3.2.3. Relief/flexible signallers on 8 hour rosters must give their agreement before being rostered a night into a free day

Proposed Rostering Principles (2025)

3.2 The following principles will apply to Night Turns into Annual Leave or Comp/Lieu Leave and Rest Days for stand-alone GPR signallers and resident signallers on base rostered GP turns:
3.2.1. Night turns will not be allocated to employees in this category prior to pre-booked and agreed annual leave or comp/lieu leave; this does not apply to resident employees when taking leave on their base rostered night turn weeks
3.2.2. Instances of being rostered a night turn followed by a free day should be minimised. Where unavoidable all those affected must give their agreement and this should be minuted at Route Council. Any departure from this must be negotiated at Route Council, but 32 hours rest between the end of the last turn and the start of the next turn will always be guaranteed.

• 3.2.2 Reworded.
• 3.2.3 Withdrawn.

 

[mac]

Thanks High Dyke

 

[stripeywhippet]

Hi (first comment)

Applied for G2 Signaller at Wakefield, completed the online assessment, invited to complete the video interview; which I apparently failed. I requested feedback, but they declined to provide it on the basis of there being a high volume of candidates, after pressing a little they stated that I failed to meet the benchmark.

I actually completed the video interview after the job had been de-listed, so I'm not sure if that's the actual cause for the rejection.

What is the benchmark? Does it apply to the video interview or the assessment? Should I push for more feedback?

For anyone looking for info on the format of the assessment and video interview, this is how mine went:

Online Assessment
4 aptitude tests

• cognitive
  • multi-tasking - 3 sections which you have to simultaneously monitor while progressing some simple puzzles
  • concentration - quickly and repeatedly determine if an image/symbol is consistent with a given criteria
• job simulation - (multiple choice) how you respond to scenarios that you might encounter in the job (an angry impatient pedestrian wants to cross the track with their tractor, but you need time to check, how do you handle them?)
• work-related behaviour - how you like to work: you answer preference based questions with an agreement scale (do you prefer to work alone or in a team? etc.)

Video Interview
4 questions asking for examples of how you handled typical work place situations (working under pressure, helping a colleague, how you responded after making a mistake, etc.). You get 90 seconds to prepare and 3 mins to answer, with 2 attempts (you essentially get unlimited time to prepare on your second attempt).

Thanks!

 

[Kristofire93]

Hi All!

My situation is that i applied for a grade 2 trainee position on the 25th of March. On the 1st of April I heard back that my assessment/video interview was successful

Now I’m guessing it’s just a waiting game to see whether I’ll get an invite to the assessment centre? How long does this usually take? Starting to get itchy feet and there’s only so many times i can keep eagerly checking my emails

Cheers everyone

 

[Ducatist4]

Hi (first comment)

Applied for G2 Signaller at Wakefield, completed the online assessment, invited to complete the video interview; which I apparently failed. I requested feedback, but they declined to provide it on the basis of there being a high volume of candidates, after pressing a little they stated that I failed to meet the benchmark.

I actually completed the video interview after the job had been de-listed, so I'm not sure if that's the actual cause for the rejection.

What is the benchmark? Does it apply to the video interview or the assessment? Should I push for more feedback?

For anyone looking for info on the format of the assessment and video interview, this is how mine went:

Online Assessment
4 aptitude tests

• cognitive
  • multi-tasking - 3 sections which you have to simultaneously monitor while progressing some simple puzzles
  • concentration - quickly and repeatedly determine if an image/symbol is consistent with a given criteria
• job simulation - (multiple choice) how you respond to scenarios that you might encounter in the job (an angry impatient pedestrian wants to cross the track with their tractor, but you need time to check, how do you handle them?)
• work-related behaviour - how you like to work: you answer preference based questions with an agreement scale (do you prefer to work alone or in a team? etc.)

Video Interview
4 questions asking for examples of how you handled typical work place situations (working under pressure, helping a colleague, how you responded after making a mistake, etc.). You get 90 seconds to prepare and 3 mins to answer, with 2 attempts (you essentially get unlimited time to prepare on your second attempt).

Thanks!

Its rare for them to give feedback at such an early stage in the process.

 

[crt4645]

Hi All!

My situation is that i applied for a grade 2 trainee position on the 25th of March. On the 1st of April I heard back that my assessment/video interview was successful

Now I’m guessing it’s just a waiting game to see whether I’ll get an invite to the assessment centre? How long does this usually take? Starting to get itchy feet and there’s only so many times i can keep eagerly checking my emails

Cheers everyone

As I'm finding out it can take a while, I applied for a grade 3 position in Worcester, the job advert closed on the 20th march and I'm still waiting

 

[stripeywhippet]

Its rare for them to give feedback at such an early stage in the process.

Thanks so much for the reply.

Quite frustrating that this is the only metric I have to work with:

 

[Leander45690]

Thanks so much for the reply.

Quite frustrating that this is the only metric I have to work with:

View attachment 178033

Have they advised you that you cannot now apply for another six months or that you can ask for the assessment to be transferred?

 

[Ducatist4]

So what they are doing is assessing the way you think and how you respond to situations. They are looking for how you naturally react, not the way you think they want you to react. That gives them a good insight into your character and the type of person you are. What they are saying is that the way you naturally are does not fit 100% with what they are looking for but they are not going to tell you exactly why as you'll just modify your answer for next time to get through the test even though that might not be the way you'd naturally respond.
Harsh perhaps but they have the luxury of hundreds of applications to go though.

All i can suggest it reflect on your answers, read though as much information as you can find on NR and signalling etc (their safety vision is critical) and see what you might do better next time.

 

[stripeywhippet]

Have they advised you that you cannot now apply for another six months or that you can ask for the assessment to be transferred?

Automated email saying I can't apply for 6 months, yep.

So what they are doing is assessing the way you think and how you respond to situations. They are looking for how you naturally react, not the way you think they want you to react. That gives them a good insight into your character and the type of person you are. What they are saying is that the way you naturally are does not fit 100% with what they are looking for but they are not going to tell you exactly why as you'll just modify your answer for next time to get through the test even though that might not be the way you'd naturally respond.
Harsh perhaps but they have the luxury of hundreds of applications to go though.

All i can suggest it reflect on your answers, read though as much information as you can find on NR and signalling etc (their safety vision is critical) and see what you might do better next time.

Many thanks again for the info. I'll do this for sure and apply when I'm eligible to do so.

 

[Kristofire93]

Thanks so much for the reply.

Quite frustrating that this is the only metric I have to work with:

View attachment 178033

Your scores seem decent though? Perhaps it was the video interview which fell a little short? Did you use the S.T.A.R method of answering the questions?

 

[calcartwright]

Hi Guys,

Been reading through RF since applying for a G2 Trainee Signaller position and you guys’ help has been amazing!

Very pleased to announce that I have been accepted into the Assessment Centre stage!

Is this now a wait and see sort of deal? It is for a position in Immingham which I have yet to see another poster within the forum speak about so a bit lost at the moment (or just extremely eager)!

Any help would be greatly appreciated but I thank all of you for guiding me through the processes already, again a huge, huge help!!

 

[stripeywhippet]

Your scores seem decent though? Perhaps it was the video interview which fell a little short? Did you use the S.T.A.R method of answering the questions?

Thanks for your reply. I did use STAR, yeah.

I've spoken to a few people about it and the consensus seems to be that I didn't answer the video interview questions with the signaller job in mind, i.e. I should have talked about how I resolved a personal mistake by escalating it to my supervisor, and worked by-the-book to resolve it, then created a report to prevent it happening again, etc.

It's just the nature of my current job to work autonomously to resolve it quickly while minimising disruption - so those were the kind of examples I had. Victim of the culture at my current job.

So what they are doing is assessing the way you think and how you respond to situations. They are looking for how you naturally react, not the way you think they want you to react. That gives them a good insight into your character and the type of person you are. What they are saying is that the way you naturally are does not fit 100% with what they are looking for but they are not going to tell you exactly why as you'll just modify your answer for next time to get through the test even though that might not be the way you'd naturally respond.
Harsh perhaps but they have the luxury of hundreds of applications to go though.

All i can suggest it reflect on your answers, read though as much information as you can find on NR and signalling etc (their safety vision is critical) and see what you might do better next time.

This is a fantastic insight, it doesn't matter how well I performed in my examples if my method isn't aligned with NR's vision.

 

[stripeywhippet]

Your scores seem decent though? Perhaps it was the video interview which fell a little short? Did you use the S.T.A.R method of answering the questions?

Congratulations on passing btw, would love to know how you approached the questions.

 

[Kristofire93]

Congratulations on passing btw, would love to know how you approached the questions.

If I was you. I’d go again in a few months. Wouldn’t let the little disappointment hinder you!

Thanks buddy. Appreciate that

Well in my day to day. I work as a chef at a hotel. So resolving mistakes. Working under pressure and realising i have to improve in a certain skill and working on that happens often. So I pulled from that and literally ticked off the s.t.a.r in my head as I was doing it.

It’s not over for me yet though. Still need to get a place at the assessment centre and go through the interview! I appreciate your words of kindness buddy and don’t let this put you off from going again!

 

[Mi&Li]

Hi Guys,

Been reading through RF since applying for a G2 Trainee Signaller position and you guys’ help has been amazing!

Very pleased to announce that I have been accepted into the Assessment Centre stage!

Is this now a wait and see sort of deal? It is for a position in Immingham which I have yet to see another poster within the forum speak about so a bit lost at the moment (or just extremely eager)!

Any help would be greatly appreciated but I thank all of you for guiding me through the processes already, again a huge, huge help!!

I am also awaiting an assessment centre place and applied for Immingham. However when you confirm your details you select your first 2 preferences and Immingham was #3 for me

 

[Badger27]

On to assessment centre now for Low Row/ Haltwhistle. Still not sure if the signaller role is going to be better than my current job but want to give myself the chance to make that decision.

 

[Leander45690]

Automated email saying I can't apply for 6 months, yep.



Many thanks again for the info. I'll do this for sure and apply when I'm eligible to do so.

I'm sorry about that - it is so frustrating. Waiting for something to come up in your area and then having to wait again. But hope the timing works out next time.

 

[calcartwright]

I am also awaiting an assessment centre place and applied for Immingham. However when you confirm your details you select your first 2 preferences and Immingham was #3 for me

Hi Mi&Li,

Yeah Immingham was my first choice and then Scunthorpe second. I’m in Cleethorpes so end of the line and they’re the closest of all choices!

Have you heard anything back or are we now at the same stage?

 

[BlueFox92]

Hi all,

I have applied for the G2 Signaller role in Bridlington, and successfully made it to assessment stage (thanks to all the help on here) .

As mentioned above, is it just a case of waiting now for an assessment date? How long are these taking, roughly?
Are the assessments done face to face or online?



Thanks in advance

 

[Mi&Li]

Hi Mi&Li,

Yeah Immingham was my first choice and then Scunthorpe second. I’m in Cleethorpes so end of the line and they’re the closest of all choices!

Have you heard anything back or are we now at the same stage?

I would say the same stage, just waiting to hear. I chose Scunthorpe and Gainsborough. Good luck!

 

[Kristofire93]

Hi all,

I have applied for the G2 Signaller role in Bridlington, and successfully made it to assessment stage (thanks to all the help on here) .

As mentioned above, is it just a case of waiting now for an assessment date? How long are these taking, roughly?
Are the assessments done face to face or online?

View attachment 178149

Thanks in advance

First of all congratulations!

It’ll be a face to face interview. No real “assessment” (or so I believe)

I’m also waiting for the assessment centre. Depends when the advert is closing/closed I think

Personally I’m hoping for next week. The week after it closed but who knows ‍♂️

 

[yorksignaller]

Hi everyone,
Looks like I'm in the same boat (passed first few stages and I'm waiting on Assessment Centre date) for two locations close to York (Poppleton and Strensall). The initial stages were lightning quick feedback: from initial application submission, to the first assessment stage, to video interviews, to hearing about being onto the assessment centre stage took roughly a week. But I've not heard anything since providing my information about 9 days ago. So I'm also looking forward to hearing back and hopefully getting an invite to the centre!
On a side note, I've heard that on occasion it's possible to visit a signal box to learn more about how things operate. I was wondering if anyone here on the forums knew someone who worked at the Poppleton box?

Thanks all and talk soon.

 

[MidlandsChap]

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.

How did you get to signal school around the school run duties?

 

[Kraken]

How did you get to signal school around the school run duties?

Oh, no school run or anything like that whilst I was at IST. Just head down for the whole course. I needed the early starts and late finishes on the sim, not to mention revision and whatnot. I would have found it very hard to fit family life around it. I just tried to do enough that I could relax on Saturday and Sunday with the wife and children.