Grade 2 Trainee Signaller
Grade 2 Trainee Signaller

Grade 2 Trainee Signaller

Ipswich Apprenticeship 27600 - 39100 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Become a Signaller, managing train movements and ensuring passenger safety daily.
  • Company: Join Network Rail, the backbone of the UK's railway system.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary of £33,659 and comprehensive training support.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on passenger safety while developing valuable skills in a dynamic environment.
  • 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; drug and alcohol testing required.

The predicted salary is between 27600 - 39100 £ 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 £33,659.

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

Join a dedicated team at Network Rail, where your role as a Grade 2 Trainee Signaller is pivotal in ensuring the safety and efficiency of our railway network across the UK. We offer comprehensive training, ongoing professional development, and a supportive work culture that values your commitment to safety and teamwork. With competitive pay and the opportunity to make a real difference in passengers' journeys, this is an excellent place to grow your career in a vital industry.
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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 under pressure. You can simulate scenarios where you need to make quick decisions, as this is a crucial part of the role. This will help you demonstrate your ability to stay calm and effective in stressful situations.

✨Tip Number 3

Network with current Signallers or professionals in the railway industry. They can provide insights into the role and share their experiences, which can be invaluable for your understanding and preparation.

✨Tip Number 4

Show your commitment to safety and personal development. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise safety in your work and your willingness to learn and adapt, as these are key traits for a successful Signaller.

We think you need these skills to ace Grade 2 Trainee Signaller

Conscientiousness
Attention Management
Workload Management
Teamwork
Controlled Under Pressure
Decision Making
Effective Communication
Willingness to Learn
Problem-Solving Skills
Situational Awareness
Adaptability
Time Management
Safety Awareness

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.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise your transferable skills such as decision-making, communication, and workload management. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you possess these skills.

Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect the key non-technical skills mentioned in the job description. Make sure to align your previous experiences with the requirements of the role to show that you are a suitable candidate.

Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that not only expresses your interest in the position but also outlines your commitment to training and personal development. Mention your willingness to learn and adapt, which is crucial for this safety-critical role.

How to prepare for a job interview at Network Rail

✨Show Your Commitment to Safety

As a Signaller, safety is paramount. During the interview, emphasise your understanding of safety protocols and your commitment to maintaining a safe environment for passengers and colleagues. Share any relevant experiences where you prioritised safety in previous roles.

✨Demonstrate Decision-Making Skills

Highlight your ability to make quick, informed decisions under pressure. Prepare examples from past experiences where you had to analyse situations rapidly and make effective choices, especially in stressful circumstances.

✨Communicate Clearly

Effective communication is crucial in signalling. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be ready to discuss how you would communicate with team members and train drivers in various scenarios, ensuring everyone is on the same page.

✨Exhibit a Willingness to Learn

Show that you are eager to develop your skills and knowledge. Discuss your approach to self-directed learning and how you stay updated with industry practices. Mention any relevant training or courses you've undertaken to enhance your capabilities.

Grade 2 Trainee Signaller
Network Rail
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  • Grade 2 Trainee Signaller

    Ipswich
    Apprenticeship
    27600 - 39100 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-07-22

  • N

    Network Rail

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