At a Glance
- Tasks: Become a Signaller, managing train movements and ensuring passenger safety.
- Company: Join Network Rail, the backbone of the UK's railway system.
- Benefits: Earn ÂŁ34,871 with extensive training and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on passenger safety while developing valuable skills.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just bring your transferable skills and a willingness to learn.
- Other info: Must live within a 50-minute commute and have access to transport.
The predicted salary is between 27800 - 39100 ÂŁ per year.
Be part of the team that enables our railway to run safely.
Solve problems and keep our passengers moving throughout the UK.
Your pay will be ÂŁ34,871.
What is signalling?
Signalling is how we keep thousands of trains moving safely across our railway. By operating a sophisticated traffic light system and other specialist equipment, our Signallers control the movement of trains across the network.
Without signalling, our railway wouldn’t function.
What does it involve?
As a Signaller you’ll need to react to changing situations, make quick decisions and stay calm under pressure. Every day, you’ll face new challenges, some you expect and others you don’t. This could be responding to an incident such as trespassers on the line; you could be taking a line blockage to allow track access for maintenance colleagues, or communicating with a train driver about a problem they’ve encountered.
Whatever the situation you’re faced with, you’ll be able to apply your training and skills to manage it safely and get passengers moving and on their way to their destination.
Our Signallers work a variety of shift patterns, including nights, evenings, weekends and bank holidays. There’s also lone-working and team-working. The responsibility of a safety-critical role isn’t for everyone – but you’ll finish the day knowing the work you’re doing has helped passengers reach their destinations safely.
Your Training Matters
Becoming a Signaller is a big commitment and requires extensive training and a good amount of self-directed learning. We’ll support you with training to develop the technical and non-technical skills you’ll need to be successful.
This is 12-weeks of Initial Signaller Training (IST), (10-weeks of which is classroom learning) and location-specific training where you’ll learn on the job and practice your skills in a live environment before being signed-off as a fully competent Signaller.
It’s important you’re actively committed to your training and personal development. All Signallers have an ongoing cycle of competence assessments to help keep their skills up to date, but also to help support professional development and career progression.
Each day as a Signaller is rewarding. Your decision-making skills will make all the difference to the safety of our passengers and colleagues.
Is it right for you?
You don’t need any specific experience to start a career in signalling. It’s more important that you’ve got the right transferable skills and behaviours. Here are the key non-technical skills that matter in signalling.
- Conscientious –You’re able to work diligently, deliver high quality work through following procedures, and be willing to take responsibility for your actions. You’ll work in accordance with the standards, by taking a systematic and thorough approach to what you do without the need for constant supervision.
- Attention Management –You’ll be able to remain alert and focussed, to manage distractions, and keep an awareness of the overall situation.
- Workload Management –You’ll be able to prioritise demands, analysing information coming from a number of sources, carry out multiple tasks quickly, sometimes at the same time and switch your attention between tasks and sources.
- Working with Others –You can build key relationships with people internal and external to Network Rail, enabling us to work together to get the job done safely and effectively.
- Controlled Under Pressure –You’ll be able to think in a controlled manner under pressure, effectively dealing with stressors, and adapting to changeable conditions.
- Decision Making –You can make risk-based decisions in a timely fashion, to maintain a safe and efficient running railway.
- Communications –You’ll need to be able to communicate clearly and concisely, both verbally and in written format, and to be confident in standing your ground. Clear communication between different people on the railway is essential for the safe running of our railway to ensure that all parties have a shared understanding of what is going on.
- Willingness and Ability to Learn –You’ll be motivated to develop yourself, retaining, applying and sharing knowledge and skills. It’s about the drive to maintain and develop your own skills, recognising that there are always opportunities for improvement, and that you’re willing to consider new ways of doing things.
Safety mattersWe’re committed to keeping our tracks, staff, and passengers safe, so it’s important that you’re always alert when you’re working as a Signaller. To help manage fatigue, you must live within a 50-minute commute of your chosen location, including having access to your own means of transport. When you apply, you’ll be asked to confirm that you are able to drive.
If successful, you will be required to undergo and pass a drugs and alcohol test. All positive drugs and alcohol test results for prospective candidates will be securely held on Sentinel database and a 5 year suspension from applying for a safety critical role, a role which requires PTS certification or a Key Safety role on Network Rail Manage infrastructure
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Grade 2 Trainee Signaller employer: Network Rail
Contact Detail:
Network Rail Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Grade 2 Trainee Signaller
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the signalling system used in the UK railway. Understanding how the traffic light system works and the responsibilities of a Signaller will give you an edge during interviews and assessments.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice decision-making scenarios that require quick thinking and problem-solving. You can find online resources or simulation games that mimic real-life situations a Signaller might face, helping you to stay calm under pressure.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current Signallers or professionals in the railway industry. Engaging with them can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable recommendations when you apply through our website.
✨Tip Number 4
Ensure you have a reliable means of transport and can commute within the required time frame. Being able to demonstrate your commitment to safety and reliability will be crucial during the selection process.
We think you need these skills to ace Grade 2 Trainee Signaller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand what being a Grade 2 Trainee Signaller entails. Familiarise yourself with the responsibilities and skills required, as outlined in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the key non-technical skills mentioned in the job description, such as decision-making, communication, and workload management. Use specific examples to demonstrate these abilities.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role and the railway industry. Discuss how your personal qualities and commitment to training make you a suitable candidate for the position.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that your writing is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Show Your Problem-Solving Skills
During the interview, be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've solved problems in the past. Highlight your ability to think on your feet and make quick decisions, as this is crucial for a Signaller.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Effective communication is key in signalling. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You might be asked to explain complex situations, so showcasing your ability to communicate under pressure will impress the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Safety
Safety is paramount in this role. Be ready to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work and any relevant experiences that demonstrate your conscientiousness and attention to detail.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your decision-making skills under pressure. Think about how you would handle various situations that a Signaller might face, and be ready to explain your thought process.