Signaller Talent Pool

Network Rail; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading railway operator is inviting passionate individuals to join their Signaller Talent Pool. This role involves managing the safe movement of trains, requiring vigilance and quick decision-making. Candidates will undergo comprehensive training including a 12-week Initial Signaller Training program. Successful applicants will thrive in a fast-paced environment and commit to ongoing learning. This opportunity is perfect for those without specific experience but with strong transferable skills.

Benefits

Accommodation provided during training

Qualifications

• No specific experience required, but transferable skills are important.
• Ability to deliver high-quality work and follow procedures meticulously.
• Communicate clearly and confidently both verbally and in writing.

Responsibilities

• React to changing situations and stay vigilant.
• Make quick decisions and manage incidents on the railway.
• Work a variety of shift patterns including nights, evenings, and weekends.

Skills

Conscientious

Attention Management

Workload Management

Working with Others

Controlled Under Pressure

Decision Making

Communications

Willingness and Ability to Learn

Job description

Are you ready to make a real difference and help keep Britain moving? We're inviting passionate, diverse, and talented individuals to join our Signaller Talent Pool following our exciting Assessment Day in January 2026.

This is your chance to be considered for future Signaller opportunities across several key locations:

• Basingstoke ROC
• Basingstoke ASC
• Woking
• Guildford
• Eastleigh

Please note: This is not a direct offer of employment, but an invitation to join our talent pool. When vacancies arise, we'll reach out to pool members first!

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.

What does it involve?

As a Signaller, you'll need to react to changing situations, stay vigilant, make quick decisions and remain calm under pressure. You may respond to incidents such as trespassers on the line, handle line blockages to allow track access for maintenance, or communicate with train drivers. Whatever the situation, you’ll apply your training and skills to manage it safely and keep passengers moving 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 larger 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 that requires extensive training and ongoing self‑directed learning throughout your career. Your journey begins with an intensive 12‑week Initial Signaller Training (IST). Ten weeks of this training are classroom‑based, and during this time you’ll be expected to stay away from home Sunday to Friday each week. Accommodation will be provided by Network Rail. You’ll need to pass exams and study hard, so we look for people who are committed to learning and ready to dedicate themselves to a new career.

After IST you’ll undergo location‑specific training, learning on the job and practising skills in a live environment before being signed‑off as a fully competent Signaller.

All Signallers undertake an ongoing cycle of competence assessments to keep their skills up to date and to support professional development and career progression.

Is it right for you?

You don’t need any specific experience to start a career in signalling. Instead, you should have the right transferable skills and behaviours. Key non‑technical skills that matter include:

• Conscientious – deliver high‑quality work, follow procedures, and take responsibility with minimal supervision.
• Attention Management – stay alert, manage distractions, and maintain situational awareness.
• Workload Management – prioritise demands, analyse information from multiple sources, and handle tasks quickly, sometimes simultaneously.
• Working with Others – build relationships with internal and external stakeholders to achieve safety and efficiency.
• Controlled Under Pressure – think methodically under stress and adapt to changing conditions.
• Decision Making – make risk‑based decisions promptly to maintain safe, efficient railway operation.
• Communications – convey information clearly and confidently both verbally and in writing.
• Willingness and Ability to Learn – develop yourself, share knowledge, and embrace continuous improvement.

Safety Matters

We’re committed to keeping our tracks, staff, and passengers safe. To manage fatigue and adhere to fatigue standards and working‑time regulations, you must live within a 50‑minute commute of your chosen location and have access to your own means of transport.

About Disability Confident

A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant who declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job, as defined by the employer. In certain recruitment situations such as high‑volume, seasonal or high‑peak times, the employer may limit the overall number of interviews offered to disabled and non‑disabled applicants. The employer is committed to equal opportunities for all candidates.