Job Introduction

in this role as a signaller, your decisions will have a significant impact on the safe and efficient operation of the railway. Network Rail values a diverse range of backgrounds and focuses on transferable skills and behaviours rather than requiring formal rail experience. If you have experience in work that requires concentration, involves safety-critical tasks, and entails effective communication with others, it will be advantageous for this position.

To provide you with further insights into the role, you can watch a video by following the provided link. The video aims to give you a better understanding of the responsibilities and importance of being a signaller within the railway system.

During the training period, your salary will be based on either the pay rate and allowances associated with your previous position or your previous basic rate of pay combined with the new allowances, whichever amount is greater.

As part of the recruitment process, all candidates who receive a conditional offer will be required to undergo a drug and alcohol test. A positive test result will lead to the withdrawal of the application. It is important to note that positive drug and alcohol test results will be securely stored in the Sentinel database, and a five-year suspension from applying for safety-critical roles, positions that require PTS certification, or Key Safety roles on Network Rail Managed Infrastructure will be enforced.

Please take note of these important details and requirements as you consider applying for the signaller position.

Main Responsibility

As a signaller, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful work every day. While being part of a signal box team, you should also be comfortable working independently for extended periods and be willing to work in shifts. In this role, you may encounter unexpected situations such as trespassers on the line, and it will be your responsibility to apply your training and skills to ensure the safety of passengers and enable their onward journey.

Network Rail places great importance on self-development and continuous learning. You will receive comprehensive training to enhance both your technical and non-technical skills. The training program includes a 10-week residential signaller training course, which is scheduled to start at a specific date. Following the initial training, you will undergo supervised on-the-job training and have the opportunity to apply your newly acquired skills in a real work environment.

By committing to self-development and embracing continuous learning, you will be well-prepared to fulfil your responsibilities as a signaller and contribute to the safe and efficient operation of the railway network.

The Ideal Candidate

Are you the ideal candidate for the signaller role? If you possess the following qualities and skills, we want to hear from you:

Are you eager to continuously learn and absorb a significant amount of information to become proficient in the role?

1. Can you operate efficiently and make confident, safety-critical decisions on your own?
2. Are you a great teammate who can collaborate effectively and contribute to the overall success of the signal box team?
3. Do you have a keen eye for detail to ensure accuracy and precision in your work?
4. Are you able to remain calm and composed in intense and challenging railway environments?

If you answered "yes" to these questions, we would love to hear from you. Apply now for the signaller role!

To proceed to the interview stage, you will need to achieve a passing score on the application screening questions and meet the minimum benchmarks in the psychometric testing conducted by the company. Additionally, you should be located within a 60-minute commute of the designated work location(s) and have access to your own transport to accommodate the different shift patterns. The role involves working on days, nights, and weekends, and offers of employment are subject to drug and alcohol testing, passing the relevant medical assessment, and meeting the BPSS pre-employment checks.

Package Description

Signalling is a crucial component of the railway system that ensures the safe and efficient operation of trains. It can be compared to a sophisticated traffic control system specifically designed for the railway network.

The main purpose of signalling is to provide clear instructions and information to train drivers, enabling them to navigate the railway tracks safely. It involves a variety of signals, such as lights, flags, and signs, which communicate important messages to train operators about track conditions, speed limits, and the presence of other trains.

Signalling is essential for maintaining the smooth flow of train services, preventing accidents, and ensuring the safety of passengers, railway staff, and the general public. Without an effective signalling system, the risk of collisions and incidents on the tracks would be significantly higher.

As a signaller, you would play a critical role in operating and monitoring the signalling equipment in your designated area. You would be responsible for controlling the movement of trains, adjusting signals, and coordinating with other signallers and control centres to maintain a safe and efficient railway network.

The primary focus of the signalling profession is safety. Signallers work diligently to provide a reliable and secure railway service, serving the needs of customers and communities. The role is essential for ensuring that people and goods can reach their destinations efficiently while contributing to the overall economic prosperity of the country.

What is Signalling?

Signalling is a crucial system in the railway that functions as a sophisticated traffic light system, allowing trains to operate safely and efficiently across the railway network. It plays a vital role in maintaining the smooth flow of train services and ensuring the safety of passengers and staff.

Without signallers, the railway would not be able to function properly, and it would have a significant impact on passengers throughout the country. As a signaller, you would be responsible for operating and monitoring the signalling equipment in your designated area, ensuring that trains are able to move safely and that potential conflicts are avoided.

Network Rail's primary focus is to run a safe, reliable, and efficient railway, serving the needs of customers and communities. They strive to transport people and goods to their destinations while supporting the economic prosperity of the country. Safety is their top priority.

If you're interested in learning more about signalling and the career opportunities available, you can visit the Signalling Careers web page provided by Network Rail. It provides detailed information about the role of signallers and the skills required. Additionally, you have the opportunity to connect with current signallers through the provided link to gain insights into their experiences and day-to-day duties.

Network Rail is currently recruiting for grade 8 signallers on a permanent contract based in Ashford IECC. The salary ranges for each grade are as follows:

• Grade 8: £50,853

During the initial signaller training course, the salary is £32,210. While training in the signal box, the salary is £37,907.

The closing date for applications is 2nd November 2023. Due to fatigue management policies, applicants must be within a 60-minute commute of the signal box and have access to their own transportation to accommodate various shift work requirements. If peak travel times exceed the 60-minute limit, applicants will be contacted regarding this matter.

It's important to note that signaller vacancies often receive a high number of applications, and the vacancy may close early once a maximum number of applications is reached. Therefore, it is advised to submit your application as early as possible.

To apply for the position, click on 'apply for this job' and follow the application process outlined by Network Rail.

About the Company

Network Rail is an organisation that places a strong emphasis on the importance of people and their safety. Our primary role is to operate a safe, reliable, and efficient railway network, serving both customers and communities. We are dedicated to getting people and goods to their destinations and supporting the country's economic prosperity. Safety is our top priority.

As part of our vision of Putting Passengers First, Network Rail aims to be a company that prioritises the needs of passengers and freight users. We strive to be an easy-to-engage-with, efficient, and dependable partner. We aim to be recognised as an industry leader and a company that employees can take pride in working for.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qz6xnDBNLdw

Life as a woman signaller at Network Rail – WISE (wisecampaign.org.uk)

Network Rail is committed to diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and actively work to create a welcoming and safe environment for everyone. We recognise the importance of diversity and are actively working to support underrepresented groups within their team. We also provide flexibility in working arrangements to promote a healthy work-life balance for their employees.

As an inclusive employer, Network Rail is a Disability Confident Leader and is committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We value the skills and talents that disabled individuals bring to the workplace and provide support and reasonable adjustments during the application process. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments and additional arrangements to support applicants during the application process. If you require any specific accommodations or have accessibility needs, you can indicate them by adding a note to your application. This allows us to better understand and cater to your requirements.

If you're unsure about the available options or need advice on accessibility support, you can visit Evenbreak's Career Hive. Evenbreak is a resource that provides guidance and information on accessibility and inclusion in the workplace. They can offer valuable insights and suggestions to help you navigate the application process more effectively.

By communicating your needs and seeking appropriate support, Network Rail aims to ensure that all applicants have an equal opportunity to showcase their skills and talents.

The signaller recruitment journey at Network Rail involves several stages, including the application, virtual ability assessment, providing identification documents, virtual assessments (including scenario assessment and live video interview), offer discussion, pre-employment screening, medical assessment (including hearing and eyesight examination), and drug and alcohol testing. The recruitment team is available to answer any queries and provide support throughout the process.

Network Rail's diversity strategy, titled "Everyone Matters," aims to create a more open, diverse, and inclusive organisation by 2024. They strive to reflect the communities they serve and provide an accessible and inclusive experience for passengers.

Network Rail places the utmost importance on safety and we consider it a fundamental aspect of our operations. When applying for a position at Network Rail, it is essential to demonstrate your personal dedication to safety within your application. Highlight any relevant experiences or examples where you have prioritized safety in your previous roles or activities.

As for the Signaller recruitment journey, here is a short video that explains what to expect and how to prepare for the recruitment process.

The video will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of the different stages involved in the recruitment process, including the application, virtual ability assessment, identification documents, virtual assessment, offer stage, pre-employment screening, medical assessment, and drug and alcohol testing. It will also offer guidance on how to prepare effectively for each stage of the process.

By familiarising yourself with the Signaller recruitment journey and adequately preparing for each step, you can enhance your chances of success in securing a position at Network Rail.

For further inquiries or assistance with the recruitment process, candidates can contact Network Rail via email at support@networkrail.zendesk.com.

Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd