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- Tasks: Ensure safe railway operations by managing train movements and responding to incidents.
- Company: Join a leading railway company dedicated to passenger safety and service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £34,871, extensive training, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in keeping passengers safe and on the move.
- Qualifications: No specific experience needed; just bring your transferable skills and a commitment to learning.
- Other info: Dynamic role with varied shifts and a strong focus on teamwork and communication.
The predicted salary is between 34871 - 34871 £ per year.
Be part of the team that enables our railway to run safely. Solve problems and keep our passengers moving throughout the UK.
During training your Pay will be:£34,871
You will be based at Manchester North & Rochdale in a signal box as part of the North West route.
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, stay vigilant, make quick decisions and stay calm under pressure. This could be responding to an incident such as trespassers on the line; taking a line blockages to allow track access for maintenance colleagues, or communicating with a train drivers.
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. Depending on the signalling location, this could also mean lone-working or working as part of a bigger team. 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 matters
We’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
Get to know the signalling world! Familiarise yourself with how our railway operates and the key responsibilities of a Signaller. This will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your decision-making skills under pressure. You can do this by simulating scenarios or even playing strategy games. Being able to think on your feet is crucial for a Signaller, so show us you can handle it!
✨Tip Number 3
Network with current Signallers or join relevant forums. Engaging with those already in the field can provide insights and tips that you won’t find anywhere else. Plus, it’s a great way to build connections!
✨Tip Number 4
When you're ready to apply, make sure to do it through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Grade 2 Trainee Signaller
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Commitment: Make sure to highlight your dedication to training and personal development in your application. We want to see that you're ready to take on the responsibility of a safety-critical role and are eager to learn.
Emphasise Your Skills: Focus on showcasing your transferable skills, like decision-making and communication. We’re looking for conscientious individuals who can manage their workload and work well under pressure, so make these traits stand out!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Clear communication is key in signalling, so demonstrate your ability to convey information effectively right from the start.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can get back to you quickly. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail
✨Know Your Signalling Basics
Before the interview, brush up on the fundamentals of railway signalling. Understand how the traffic light system works and be ready to discuss its importance in keeping trains moving safely. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you stand out.
✨Demonstrate Decision-Making Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you had to make quick decisions under pressure. Whether it’s a work scenario or a personal situation, being able to articulate how you handled stress and made effective choices will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Signaller, clear communication is key. Practice explaining complex ideas simply and concisely. During the interview, focus on how you can convey information effectively, both verbally and in writing, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Highlight Your Commitment to Learning
Express your willingness to learn and develop throughout your training. Share any relevant experiences where you took the initiative to improve your skills or knowledge. This demonstrates that you’re not just looking for a job, but are committed to growing in your career.