Railway signaller

Railway signallers operate the signals and points on rail tracks to keep trains running safely and on time.

Also known as: Points operator, signal operator

• Starter salary£35,000 a year
• Experienced£55,000 a year
• Typical hours42 to 46 a week

What you'll do

As a railway signaller, you could:

• check incident reports at shift handovers
• monitor train movements on computer systems
• operate controls in a trackside signal box or electronic control centre
• communicate with drivers for live updates
• contact maintenance teams about signal problems and other track disruptions
• log incidents and prepare reports
• keep up to date with track regulations and new technology

Working environment

You could work in a control room.

Skills and knowledge you'll need

You'll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• the ability to work well with others
• the ability to operate and control equipment
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• to be flexible and open to change
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• knowledge of public safety and security
• excellent verbal communication skills
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently

How to become a railway signaller

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

College

You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge needed to get a trainee position.

Courses include:

• rail engineering
• engineering operations
• mechanical or electrical engineering

Some colleges may be able to organise work placements with rail engineering companies as part of a course, so speak with them to get more information.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements for these courses vary.

Apprenticeship

You could apply to do an apprenticeship with a rail engineering company, such as:

• Rail Engineering Operative Level 2 Intermediate Apprenticeship
• Rail Infrastructure Operator Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
• Rail Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• some GCSEs, usually including English and maths, or equivalent, for an intermediate apprenticeship
• 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship

Direct application

You can apply directly to become a railway signaller with Network Rail , who operate the rail system. You'll need a good general standard of education, including English and maths GCSEs.

You do not need any specific experience to become a railway signaller. However, it might be useful to have worked in a role:

• that is safety critical
• where you need to concentrate
• that involves communicating well with others

Restrictions and requirements

You'll need to:

• be screened for drugs and alcohol
• pass a medical check

Career path and progression

With experience. you could:

• become a signalling supervisor or control room manager
• take further training to work as a signalling designer
• apply for jobs in other parts of the rail system through Network Rail's internal promotion programme

Professional and industry bodies

You can join the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers for professional development opportunities.

Guides for this industry

• Transport & Logistics: pay, interviews and getting started →

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