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Signaller

Signallers are responsible for management the safe movement of trains around the UK. There are about 6000 signallers who work in signal boxes and control rooms and they use around 40000 signals to control how every train moves around its set route. Signallers may also control the direction of trains by moving the railway ‘points’ which determine on which track a train runs.

The signals display messages in simple form to tell the driver whether or not to proceed with their journey. The messages are given either through the use of lights, or through signal ‘arms’, which are put into particular positions depending on the message required. The messages are delivered through a range of systems, from  semaphore (arms) or colour light signals which are controlled by lever, to electro push-button system panels, which can be operated more quickly and have the capacity for faster and larger amounts of work.

Signallers have to play close attention to the schedule of operations for the day, making sure that they are aware of all train movements planned. They then plan the required routes and get ready to liaise with other control rooms or signal boxes to ensure that trains can move safely from one area into the next. They also have to alert the next signal box along the route once a train has passed by, so that they know that the train is approaching.

Signallers can also have responsibility for operating level crossings; lowering barriers to ensure that trains can safely cross public highways.

The starting salary for a signaller who has completed all required training is approximately £20000. This can vary based on responsibilities and may rise with experience.
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Working environment

Signallers have a variety of working environments. Some can be based in small signal boxes that are located next to railway tracks. Others can work in larger control rooms that are more usually based near to junctions or away from rail tracks altogether. They may work on their own, or as part of a team.

Signallers must wear high visibility clothing when they are working near rail tracks. It is important for their own health and safety that they can be seen at all times.

Normally signallers will work in shifts, which can including early mornings, nights, bank holidays and weekends. The working week can be between 36 and 40 hours a week.Go Back

Skills and interests

Signallers need to have:-
- good attention to detail and the ability to work very accurately at all times
- the ability to concentrate for long periods of time
- calmness under pressure
- good communication skills
- a reliable approach to work
- IT, literacy and numeracy skills
- the ability to work well as part of a team.Go Back

Entry into the role

Most signallers are employed by Network Rail and there are also some employed by London Underground. Vacancies can arise across the UK.

There are no formal qualifications required to work as a signaller however employers will expect a good level of basic education such as GCSEs (or national equivalent) in English and maths.

Signallers must pass a medical check to make sure that they have good eyesight and good hearing. During the recruitment process they will also have to undergo medical checks for drugs and alcohol abuse. Applicants will also be subject to criminal records checks.

Those who are successfully in the application process will have to undergo a full-time training course, which they must successfully pass, before they can start their signalling work.
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Opportunities

Signallers can move up to different types and busier signal boxes and control rooms. They can also progress to supervisory roles or can move into control room operations where they can be responsible for monitoring the train movements across the whole rail network. Promotion above this can be to signal or control room management.

There are industry qualifications related to this role including:
- NVQ level 2 in rail transport operations (signal operations) (offered by City & Guilds).Go Back

Useful links

• Network Rail
• London Underground
• Rail Technology (magazine)
• Rail Staff (magazine)
• The Rail Engineer (magazine)

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Case Studies

• 
  RAIL - signaller
  Colin King speaks about working as a signaller for Translink
• RAIL - signaller
  See an interview with signaller Darshna Jhya who works for Network Rail (links to Jobs4U careers database)
  View case study (external website)
• 
  RAIL - training
  Find out about training at Translink to be a driver or a signaller

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