Railway signaller

Points operator, signal operator

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

Salary range: £20,000 to £32,000

How to become a railway signaller

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• applying directly

College

You could do a college course, which would teach you some of the skills and knowledge you need in this job. Relevant courses include the Level 2 Certificate or Diploma in Rail Services. You would usually need to be working in the rail industry or be on a relevant placement to be able to complete this course. 

Entry requirements

You’ll usually need:

• 2 or more GCSEs at grades 9 to 3 (A* to D), or equivalent, for a level 2 course

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

You can complete a rail infrastructure operator or rail engineering operative intermediate apprenticeship.

You can also do a rail engineering technician 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

More information

• equivalent entry requirements
• Network Rail apprenticeships
• guide to apprenticeships

Direct application

It may be possible to apply directly to Network Rail, who operate the rail system. You’ll need a good general standard of education, including English and maths GCSEs.

You’ll go through initial checks before being invited to an assessment day and interview.

Non-technical skills are very important in this job, like safety awareness, staying calm under pressure and being able to deal with large amounts of information. These qualities will be tested during the assessment.

More information

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You can find out more about becoming a railway signaller from the Institution of Railway Signal Engineers and Network Rail.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

You’ll need:

• to be thorough and pay attention to detail
• knowledge of transport methods, costs and benefits
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• the ability to accept criticism and work well under pressure
• the ability to work well with others
• to be flexible and open to change
• physical skills like movement, coordination, dexterity and grace
• knowledge of public safety and security
• to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently

Restrictions and requirements

You’ll need to:

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

What you’ll do

Day-to-day tasks

Your day-to-day duties may include: 

• checking incident reports at the start of the shift
• tracking trains on computer systems and electronic displays
• operating controls in a manual signal box or electronic control centre
• speaking to drivers and other staff to give and receive updates
• contacting maintenance teams to report signal problems
• writing incident reports for managers
• training in track regulations and new technology

Working environment

You could work in a control room.

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a signalling supervisor or control room manager. With further training, you may be able to work as a signalling designer. 

You may also be able to apply for non-signalling jobs through Network Rail’s internal promotion system.