York Signalling School

[SassyLou2190]

Hi All,

Well I'm over the moon - I had an assessment day in Ely on Tuesday - passed through to the afternoon for an interview and just received an email stating I was successful! I'm really excited about the prospects of getting off to signalling school - but have so many questions it's crazy! I've read through this thread and it's been really helpful (assuming the info from 2016ish is still relative)
I just wanted to hear some stories from signalling school - to reassure me I'm not likely to end up rocking in a corner
Also are there any ladies on here that have done it? - I mean I know there are ladies doing the job!
I'm happy with the idea of traveling up to York on a Sunday afternoon and then home on a Friday afternoon - I understand bed and breakfast is paid for but what about evening meals and lunch?

I'm really excited! - although not looking to go off to school until Jan
Many thanks
Sarah
x

 

[headshot119]

Breakfast and dinner at the hotel are paid for.

Lunch at the training school is paid for.

 

[Ian Smeeton]

Hi All,

Well I'm over the moon - I had an assessment day in Ely on Tuesday - passed through to the afternoon for an interview and just received an email stating I was successful! I'm really excited about the prospects of getting off to signalling school - but have so many questions it's crazy! I've read through this thread and it's been really helpful (assuming the info from 2016ish is still relative)
I just wanted to hear some stories from signalling school - to reassure me I'm not likely to end up rocking in a corner
Also are there any ladies on here that have done it? - I mean I know there are ladies doing the job!
I'm happy with the idea of traveling up to York on a Sunday afternoon and then home on a Friday afternoon - I understand bed and breakfast is paid for but what about evening meals and lunch?

I'm really excited! - although not looking to go off to school until Jan
Many thanks
Sarah
x

Congratulations,

I am still waiting on Tenterhooks after Tuesday.

Regards

Ian

 

[SassyLou2190]

Hey Ian,

I'm so bad with names - its not even funny.... where are you from or what do you do at present - (this tends to be how I recall information)

good luck
Sarah
x

 

[Ian Smeeton]

Ex publican, now a factory worker from South Witham, Lincs

Regards

Ian

 

[SassyLou2190]

Ex publican, now a factory worker from South Witham, Lincs

Regards

Ian

Ah I see! I'm useless
Fingers crossed for you though - they were a little delayed in letting me know anyway
Sarah
X

 

[Curtis]

Hi All,

Well I'm over the moon - I had an assessment day in Ely on Tuesday - passed through to the afternoon for an interview and just received an email stating I was successful! I'm really excited about the prospects of getting off to signalling school - but have so many questions it's crazy! I've read through this thread and it's been really helpful (assuming the info from 2016ish is still relative)
I just wanted to hear some stories from signalling school - to reassure me I'm not likely to end up rocking in a corner
Also are there any ladies on here that have done it? - I mean I know there are ladies doing the job!
I'm happy with the idea of traveling up to York on a Sunday afternoon and then home on a Friday afternoon - I understand bed and breakfast is paid for but what about evening meals and lunch?

I'm really excited! - although not looking to go off to school until Jan
Many thanks
Sarah
x

I was also initially told at interview that it was likely to be January time to start at signalling school but have since been asked if I have any leave booked before then, and double checking my notice period, so who knows! Might see you there!

 

[CB 1-2-1]

Hi all, Congratulations.
I also attended Ely on the Tuesday, made it through to the interview and was emailed to say I was successful. I'm absolutely thrilled to bits. I have found this forum invaluable, there is so much information and friendly advice, don't think you could ever get through without it, so a big thank you to all. Yesterday, I arranged my medical for 25th Sept (nearest to me is Birmingham) and sent all the paper work back electronically. Hopefully it shouldn't be too long after that the start date is advised for signalling school, I honestly can't wait to hear.
What are your box locations, mine is going to be Manea??? Does anybody know what the shifts are there???

 

[Dave 5-5-5]

Hi All,

Well I'm over the moon - I had an assessment day in Ely on Tuesday - passed through to the afternoon for an interview and just received an email stating I was successful! I'm really excited about the prospects of getting off to signalling school - but have so many questions it's crazy! I've read through this thread and it's been really helpful (assuming the info from 2016ish is still relative)
I just wanted to hear some stories from signalling school - to reassure me I'm not likely to end up rocking in a corner
Also are there any ladies on here that have done it? - I mean I know there are ladies doing the job!
I'm happy with the idea of traveling up to York on a Sunday afternoon and then home on a Friday afternoon - I understand bed and breakfast is paid for but what about evening meals and lunch?

I'm really excited! - although not looking to go off to school until Jan
Many thanks
Sarah
x

Hi all, Congratulations.
I also attended Ely on the Tuesday, made it through to the interview and was emailed to say I was successful. I'm absolutely thrilled to bits. I have found this forum invaluable, there is so much information and friendly advice, don't think you could ever get through without it, so a big thank you to all. Yesterday, I arranged my medical for 25th Sept (nearest to me is Birmingham) and sent all the paper work back electronically. Hopefully it shouldn't be too long after that the start date is advised for signalling school, I honestly can't wait to hear.
What are your box locations, mine is going to be Manea??? Does anybody know what the shifts are there???

Looks like I might be seeing you both there, I had my interview back in July, and received notification I'd been successful early September. I passed my medical on the 21st (just waiting for the long drug test to come back, which I know will be fine. Only drugs I take are paracetamol), and a date for signalling school is expected to be in January.

 

[Clydefrog]

Im currently a grade 9 signaller in sussex if anyone has any questions I would be happy to answer and help you out.

 

[Dave 5-5-5]

So I'm going to Westwood instead of York. First day on the job and already being "sent to Coventry"

 

[SassyLou2190]

Yay! So I'm super excited! Looks like all being well I'm off to York in December!!! - that's happened really fast! Is anyone else due to start signalling school in York in December? - if so come say hi!
Does anyone have any little tips or advice - things to do/not do etc?

Also anyone else from Ely assessment day coming?

x

 

[XingClaggers]

Yay! So I'm super excited! Looks like all being well I'm off to York in December!!! - that's happened really fast! Is anyone else due to start signalling school in York in December? - if so come say hi!
Does anyone have any little tips or advice - things to do/not do etc?

Also anyone else from Ely assessment day coming?

x

They havnt even had the decency to tell me i have been rejected, even after i sent them an email and asked for some feedback, so not me

 

[Ian Smeeton]

Me neither, still waiting, still applying.

All the best for signalling school.

Regards

Ian

 

[Qball]

Does anyone who if there is their any parking at the Park Inn. Or do you have to pay extra for it.

 

[headshot119]

Does anyone who if there is their any parking at the Park Inn. Or do you have to pay extra for it.

Parking is available, however...

1) It can be fairly full and you aren't guaranteed a space
2) It's something like £10 per night, and it's not always included in your booking meaning you have to foot the bill.

 

[Qball]

Thanks I'll probably just leave it in the park and ride.

 

[Leo_724677]

Off to York for signaller school 28/10. Received my joining instructions this week. Cannot wait to get started now

 

[bouff34]

Does anyone who if there is their any parking at the Park Inn. Or do you have to pay extra for it.

The hotel have an agreement with Network Rail that parking is free if you are on a course. Not all staff on reception know this though! If any issues speak with the manager, Claire(?)

 

[Dave 5-5-5]

Yay! So I'm super excited! Looks like all being well I'm off to York in December!!! - that's happened really fast! Is anyone else due to start signalling school in York in December? - if so come say hi!
Does anyone have any little tips or advice - things to do/not do etc?

Also anyone else from Ely assessment day coming?

x

Well done, I'm currently in week one at Westwood. It's great fun.

 

[Nosillomr]

Does anyone know on here what the take home pay per month is for a grade 2 signaller with shift allowance?

 

[Curtis]

Yay! So I'm super excited! Looks like all being well I'm off to York in December!!! - that's happened really fast! Is anyone else due to start signalling school in York in December? - if so come say hi!
Does anyone have any little tips or advice - things to do/not do etc?

Also anyone else from Ely assessment day coming?

x

Hi @SassyLou2190, I'm due to start in December also! Although my employment starts tomorrow and it sounds as though I'll be doing some shadowing before training school (I'll know more tomorrow I suppose!)

Curtis

 

[Dave 5-5-5]

Take plenty of paper...... it's very intensive

 

[Nosillomr]

Take plenty of paper...... it's very intensive

Hi Dave, can you explain a bit more about the maths and english test mentioned previously that new starts seem to get on the course?

 

[Dave 5-5-5]

Hi Dave, can you explain a bit more about the maths and english test mentioned previously that new starts seem to get on the course?

I can, it's a fairly basic test and it's just to check your level of maths and English. As the training scheme is officially an "apprenticeship" the government has set targets for anyone doing one for maths and english. IF you don't meet Level 2 you will be offered help to get to the target, if you have a GCSE in A-C you're already at level 2 and D-F is Level 1. Everyone should have a Level 2 to meet the targets. If you don't, it doesn't stop you taking the course. It's really a paper exercise because the people who provide the support side of the scheme, the welfare, mental wellbeing etc will be able to get funding to help you reach the levels.

I'm actually fairly shocked, I've come from a company who couldn't give a toss about you and would quibble over £2 petrol expenses to a company who will put you in a hotel, provide food, train tickets etc etc and provide you with a fairly decent support system should something happen.

 

[JohnGannon4]

Hi Dave.

How are you finding the course? I’ve heard it’s really intense and rather information overload at times. It is a little concerning for me as I’m worried about not passing the exams in the signal school and then not having a job. Is it a hard course would you say?

 

[Nosillomr]

I can, it's a fairly basic test and it's just to check your level of maths and English. As the training scheme is officially an "apprenticeship" the government has set targets for anyone doing one for maths and english. IF you don't meet Level 2 you will be offered help to get to the target, if you have a GCSE in A-C you're already at level 2 and D-F is Level 1. Everyone should have a Level 2 to meet the targets. If you don't, it doesn't stop you taking the course. It's really a paper exercise because the people who provide the support side of the scheme, the welfare, mental wellbeing etc will be able to get funding to help you reach the levels.

I'm actually fairly shocked, I've come from a company who couldn't give a toss about you and would quibble over £2 petrol expenses to a company who will put you in a hotel, provide food, train tickets etc etc and provide you with a fairly decent support system should something happen.

Thank you, that’s really helpful. All the very best.

 

[Nosillomr]

Hi Dave.

How are you finding the course? I’ve heard it’s really intense and rather information overload at times. It is a little concerning for me as I’m worried about not passing the exams in the signal school and then not having a job. Is it a hard course would you say?

Great question

 

[Tom Quinne]

Hi Dave.

How are you finding the course? I’ve heard it’s really intense and rather information overload at times. It is a little concerning for me as I’m worried about not passing the exams in the signal school and then not having a job. Is it a hard course would you say?

I worry about being booted out even if you fail twice - I don’t recommend trying it though!

If you work hard in class, do the required after class revision you’ll be fine.

 

[TRain87]

I came from 'off the street' when I joined...sat in a class with people who were throwing around train acronyms for fun...at the time I even had to ask what the 3rd rail was! But after I spoke up that I had no train knowledge, others opened up too! And as previously stated, if you take notes in class and apply yourself at a normal standard, and do some after school revision back at the hotel and go to your simulator sessions...the course is fine! I too was worried about losing the job and being unemployed...guys don't worry. They want you to pass and have a career...network rail invest ALOT of money to each candidate, it's in their best interest you pass, but they won't do it without you applying yourself and working hard.

My daily routine was shower, breakfast with other signallers in hotel, walk to school (clear the head before it was crammed), school and taking notes in a way I understood, walk home (again to de-clutter your brain), then nap/shower/gym/chill, go for dinner with other signallers from your course then after dinner go and read my notes or rewrite them so they were fresh, iron my clothes for the next day and repeat...for 9 weeks! Now I know its 12 weeks.

Another great bit of advice - set up a WhatsApp group the first week you are there...then when going over your notes, ask questions, test your colleagues and don't struggle in silence!

Good luck to all going through it, or due to start soon!