Network Rail Signaller Positions

[GMCK]

I see Network Rail are actively seeking Signallers- a position which really interests me.

I'm fully aware this may be a somewhat naive question, but modern day signallers (at Evesham & Worcester more specifically) operate from a control centre as a pose to the classic signal box? I've seen a fair few signal boxes around the area that look to be in service...

Sorry for the daft question- any help is appreciated,

 

[Tom Quinne]

Not a stupid question at all....

The five (I think) Signal boxes on what's called the North Cotswold line (Oxford to Worcester) which include those you mention are traditional manual signal boxes which are Single manned. There are three I think Boxes in the Worceater area to, Norton Junction, Worcester Srub Hill, Tunnel Junction and I think one at Forgate Street to.

The operational life of these locations is circa another 20 years (at least), the mechanical interlocking and lever frames have recently been overhauled to extend the life.

There are currently a number of vacancies at the North Cotswold and West of Worcester locations (Ledbury being one) currently externally advertised.

The North Cotswold boxes are either Grade 2 or 3 as is Ledbury, Worcester area are 4 or 5 due to the increased traffic flows.

If/when they close control is planned to transfer to West Midlands ROC currently at Saltley in Birmingham, which may move (doubtful) to Rugby.

Hope this helps.

 

[GMCK]

Not a stupid question at all....

The five (I think) Signal boxes on what's called the North Cotswold line (Oxford to Worcester) which include those you mention are traditional manual signal boxes which are Single manned. There are three I think Boxes in the Worceater area to, Norton Junction, Worcester Srub Hill, Tunnel Junction and I think one at Forgate Street to.

The operational life of these locations is circa another 20 years (at least), the mechanical interlocking and lever frames have recently been overhauled to extend the life.

There are currently a number of vacancies at the North Cotswold and West of Worcester locations (Ledbury being one) currently externally advertised.

The North Cotswold boxes are either Grade 2 or 3 as is Ledbury, Worcester area are 4 or 5 due to the increased traffic flows.

If/when they close control is planned to transfer to West Midlands ROC currently at Saltley in Birmingham, which may move (doubtful) to Rugby.

Hope this helps.

Thanks Tom. That's clarified most of my questions.

So would you believe the current advertised positions at Ledbury and Evesham to be in single manned boxes?

The thought of working from a large computerised centre doesn't have as much appeal as working from a traditional box.

Cheers again.

 

[baz962]

I have just looked on network rail and the only vacancies I can see are cardiff am I looking in the wrong place

 

[The Planner]

If/when they close control is planned to transfer to West Midlands ROC currently at Saltley in Birmingham, which may move (doubtful) to Rugby.

You might struggle to fit Worcester into the WMSCC and I also doubt if that will ever get to Rugby. You may find you have the situation where Worcester goes straight to Rugby ROC.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Ledbury and Evesham are both Grade 2 (lowest Signaller grade) single manned boxes.

There are two vacancies listed as Ledbury and Eversham, plus two which are listed as "Worcester".

Interestingly Three Bridges is currently listed with 11 ! positions listed available ??????

Whether you would find a ROC or large Signalling centre really depends on what kind of person you are, and are you happy with the significantly smaller salary - also note the larger/busier location your at the more experience you'll get in unusual occurrences which will help if you for promotion to a higher grade.

 

[GMCK]

Ledbury and Evesham are both Grade 2 (lowest Signaller grade) single manned boxes.

There are two vacancies listed as Ledbury and Eversham, plus two which are listed as "Worcester".

Interestingly Three Bridges is currently listed with 11 ! positions listed available ��

Whether you would find a ROC or large Signalling centre really depends on what kind of person you are, and are you happy with the significantly smaller salary - also note the larger/busier location your at the more experience you'll get in unusual occurrences which will help if you for promotion to a higher grade.

I've looked too and they all seem to be based at Signal Boxes.

So... with absolutely zero rail experience, do I stand a chance?! I've applied for one, I'm hopeful but I would imagine there will be a fair few experienced guys applying too.....

 

[LewesTom]

I've looked too and they all seem to be based at Signal Boxes.

So... with absolutely zero rail experience, do I stand a chance?! I've applied for one, I'm hopeful but I would imagine there will be a fair few experienced guys applying too.....

I equally have no previous railway experience but I've been accepted into the Three Bridges ROC. Starting my training at the end of the month! Don't let that put you off.

 

[GMCK]

I equally have no previous railway experience but I've been accepted into the Three Bridges ROC. Starting my training at the end of the month! Don't let that put you off.

Amazing- congratulations! Hope you have a long and happy career! : )

How did you find the recruitment process? Good to hear that you had no experience too. Personally I work in a safety critical environment to deadlines at Birmingham Airport now, hopefully that will bode well.

 

[Tom Quinne]

I've looked too and they all seem to be based at Signal Boxes.

So... with absolutely zero rail experience, do I stand a chance?! I've applied for one, I'm hopeful but I would imagine there will be a fair few experienced guys applying too.....

You'll find the North Cotswold line signal boxes are pretty much classed as new entrant locations with high turnover of staff as they tend to move onto higher grade locations fairly quickly. Combine that with high house prices, and you would stand a fairly good chance to be honest.

 

[GMCK]

You'll find the North Cotswold line signal boxes are pretty much classed as new entrant locations with high turnover of staff as they tend to move onto higher grade locations fairly quickly. Combine that with high house prices, and you would stand a fairly good chance to be honest.

Fantastic. I've just bought a place in Droitwich so ideally located to the Evesham & Ledbury SB's... any tips for if I make it past the application stage?

Thanks again for the info.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Have a good look over the Network Rail non technical skills competencies.
Your in the aviation industry?
That'll provide a very good grounding for the competence questions on the application form, and throughout the process.

If I was you, I would apply for all the Worcester area jobs currently open on the external site.
The wiser you cast your net, the better chance you have of landing a juicy fish that's the process all over now.

Good luck.

 

[Llanigraham]

Thanks Tom. That's clarified most of my questions.

So would you believe the current advertised positions at Ledbury and Evesham to be in single manned boxes?

The thought of working from a large computerised centre doesn't have as much appeal as working from a traditional box.

Cheers again.

Ledbury and Evesham are single manned Boxes

 

[LewesTom]

Amazing- congratulations! Hope you have a long and happy career! : )

How did you find the recruitment process? Good to hear that you had no experience too. Personally I work in a safety critical environment to deadlines at Birmingham Airport now, hopefully that will bode well.

Thanks!

The process was long. Be prepared for a fair amount of thumb twiddling between each stage. Between applying and offer was about 3 months if I remember rightly.

I'm going in from a Police background (I hear a fair few are from my force at the moment) and I think the examples I gave from that are what got me the job.

 

[Tom Quinne]

Likewise my background, they do like ex armed forces or blue light backgrounds certainly helps with the interview !

 

[SmokeAndJoe]

Thanks!

The process was long. Be prepared for a fair amount of thumb twiddling between each stage. Between applying and offer was about 3 months if I remember rightly.

I'm going in from a Police background (I hear a fair few are from my force at the moment) and I think the examples I gave from that are what got me the job.

You're starting at the end of the month? There are a few ex police that started the same time as me also going into the ROC. Congrats!