Keep seeing on here drivers complaining about pay and working hours so how many of you are going to apply for the signalling jobs on Network Rail website, different grades 35 hour week salary £26000 to £41000 depending on the place.
Thought signallers are a dying breed?
They obviously need to advertise and the jobs don’t seem to be sorted internally in that drivers don’t seem to want to transfer to signalling from driving.There’s probably a reason for that.It’s probably a bit like air traffic control jobs in that regard in that the wages and the hours are irrelevant.It’s just a zb stressful job at any wage and even 20 hours per week. 
Only one vacancy today. Signaller at Crabley Creek. (lovely name). Think they`d benefit from a “free spirited, independent operator” such as an experienced long distance driver? Be a change from those conformist, rule-following types they seem to employ at the moment.
msgyorkie:
Thought signallers are a dying breed?
In some areas they are, other areas got years left but so what when your in your in got to be better than driving
Carryfast:
They obviously need to advertise and the jobs don’t seem to be sorted internally in that drivers don’t seem to want to transfer to signalling from driving.There’s probably a reason for that.It’s probably a bit like air traffic control jobs in that regard in that the wages and the hours are irrelevant.It’s just a zb stressful job at any wage and even 20 hours per week.
Jobs are with Network Rail they don’t have any drivers to transfer
Franglais:
Only one vacancy today. Signaller at Crabley Creek. (lovely name). Think they`d benefit from a “free spirited, independent operator” such as an experienced long distance driver? Be a change from those conformist, rule-following types they seem to employ at the moment.
If you look in show all on the website there are about 20 jobs advertised.
mac12:
msgyorkie:
Thought signallers are a dying breed?In some areas they are, other areas got years left but so what when your in your in got to be better than driving
That’s easy to say though isn’t it, grass being greener and all that…
I’d image it’s ■■■■ stressful and definitely not for me!
Evil8Beezle:
mac12:
msgyorkie:
Thought signallers are a dying breed?In some areas they are, other areas got years left but so what when your in your in got to be better than driving
That’s easy to say though isn’t it, grass being greener and all that…
I’d image it’s ■■■■ stressful and definitely not for me!
After 15 years driving i did it 3 years ago and if i can anyone can. I no my start and finish times for all of next year, all my training is paid plus my traveling to my training, got a pension,sick pay 4 day 35 hour week unless i want to work a sunday. Grass is definitely greener.
mac12:
Carryfast:
They obviously need to advertise and the jobs don’t seem to be sorted internally in that drivers don’t seem to want to transfer to signalling from driving.There’s probably a reason for that.It’s probably a bit like air traffic control jobs in that regard in that the wages and the hours are irrelevant.It’s just a zb stressful job at any wage and even 20 hours per week.Jobs are with Network Rail they don’t have any drivers to transfer
Admittedly there’s a difference between the train operations part of the industry and rail infrastructure.But the point remains that drivers don’t seem to be keen to move into signalling jobs within the rail industry as a whole.Nor,predictably, do train drivers jobs seem to be as difficult to fill as rail maintenance and signalling ones.
Carryfast:
mac12:
Carryfast:
They obviously need to advertise and the jobs don’t seem to be sorted internally in that drivers don’t seem to want to transfer to signalling from driving.There’s probably a reason for that.It’s probably a bit like air traffic control jobs in that regard in that the wages and the hours are irrelevant.It’s just a zb stressful job at any wage and even 20 hours per week.Jobs are with Network Rail they don’t have any drivers to transfer
Admittedly there’s a difference between the train operations part of the industry and rail infrastructure.But the point remains that drivers don’t seem to be keen to move into signalling jobs within the rail industry as a whole.Nor,predictably, do train drivers jobs seem to be as difficult to fill as rail maintenance and signalling ones.
It takes 18 months training to become a driver who then earns upto £60000 per year which is why so many apply, signalling ones still get loads more applying than there is jobs for.
It is still a good job for all the drivers that come on here moaning about driving half the hours for more money unless driving realy isn’t that bad
mac12:
unless driving realy isn’t that bad
For anyone who really likes driving trucks that’s probably the deal breaker.In that I could understand making the move from truck driving to train driving but not signalling or track maintenance.
Carryfast:
mac12:
unless driving realy isn’t that badFor anyone who really likes driving trucks that’s probably the deal breaker.In that I could understand making the move from truck driving to train driving but not signalling or track maintenance.
Most of my driving was for one company out of grimsby long distance anywhere between top of scotland and far end of cornwall one drop and back empty so for me driving a train along the same bit of track would be boreing. Signalling although never going anywhere i have never been bored, like driving you are on your own unless in a main box I’m working a 12 hour overtime shift today not seen anyone, cooked my dinner here, got internet, radio unlike driving i have no hold ups on the roads no sitting for hours at rdc’s no vosa and like i put earlier i can plan my days because i no when i’m working.
I am in my late 50s so maintance is something i wouldn’t want.
What was the interview process? And may I ask what qualifications and experience they like you to have?
I’ve only recently begun HGV driving, done my class 1 an 2 back to back then went straight into class one work. But already in questioning if it’s for me.
Rattray:
What was the interview process? And may I ask what qualifications and experience they like you to have?
I’ve only recently begun HGV driving, done my class 1 an 2 back to back then went straight into class one work. But already in questioning if it’s for me.
No qualifications or experience needed they do all the training needed. First you have to fill online application if that gets though for a grade 2 or above you then have an assessment if you pass that you then have an interview. If you then get offered the job you have a medical paid for by them then you start your training if grade 1 it’s on the job if grade 2 or above 10 weeks training at york hotels and food paid for then training in your box.
Like i put before if i can do it anyone can.
Carryfast:
But the point remains that drivers don’t seem to be keen to move into signalling jobs within the rail industry as a whole.
That’s because drivers get paid more than signallers.
And the rate of pay always attracts plenty of external applicants.
mac12:
Rattray:
What was the interview process? And may I ask what qualifications and experience they like you to have?
I’ve only recently begun HGV driving, done my class 1 an 2 back to back then went straight into class one work. But already in questioning if it’s for me.No qualifications or experience needed they do all the training needed. First you have to fill online application if that gets though for a grade 2 or above you then have an assessment if you pass that you then have an interview. If you then get offered the job you have a medical paid for by them then you start your training if grade 1 it’s on the job if grade 2 or above 10 weeks training at york hotels and food paid for then training in your box.
Like i put before if i can do it anyone can.
Cheers I might have a mooch
Rattray:
mac12:
Rattray:
What was the interview process? And may I ask what qualifications and experience they like you to have?
I’ve only recently begun HGV driving, done my class 1 an 2 back to back then went straight into class one work. But already in questioning if it’s for me.No qualifications or experience needed they do all the training needed. First you have to fill online application if that gets though for a grade 2 or above you then have an assessment if you pass that you then have an interview. If you then get offered the job you have a medical paid for by them then you start your training if grade 1 it’s on the job if grade 2 or above 10 weeks training at york hotels and food paid for then training in your box.
Like i put before if i can do it anyone can.Cheers I might have a mooch
you have nothing to lose. It can take 6 months from start to finnish so it’s not quick
Carryfast:
mac12:
unless driving realy isn’t that badFor anyone who really likes driving trucks that’s probably the deal breaker.In that I could understand making the move from truck driving to train driving but not signalling or track maintenance.
That depends, I made the move from truck driving to machine operating (Track mounted HGV with either cherry picker or hiab on the back) and then on to the Overhead linesman work. I started 4 years ago as a part time operator and was taken on by the company as a trainee linesman 2.5 years ago on a starting salary the same as I was earning on HGV’s. I’m now a Senior linesman and last year topped £60k, this year will be over £70K. For that I work nights from saturday to thursday usually around 6hrs per night but can be 12 on a saturday or a blockade. I get meal allowances, staying out money, van and fuel, all work and ppe gear supplied, a nice large xmas bonus and a very large year end bonus. All accomodation is paid for as is all training and recerts.My basic month is 20 days and its upto me if I work extra, double time on bank holidays and 5x if i work xmas.
I know I wouldn’t go back to driving full time now
I’m a train driver in London.
I do miss driving on the road I must admit but in terms of the life I have now I could never have that on the road.
35 hour week, no Sundays( if I do its around 37ph)
Final salary pension.
4 day week.
Clear 2600-2700 without overtime each month.3k with 1 rest day.
Downside is its extremely boring and it’s a lot of responsibility.
If I could earn 51k a year driving on the road I’d do it but I don’t think jobs like that exist or if they do I bet they dont see home much.
Il probably jack it in once I’m around 45 and go back driving depending on mortgage situation etc.
It’s a great job don’t get me wrong but it’s not for everyone.