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Railway signaller

Alternative titles for this job include Points operator, signal operator

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

Average salary (a year)

£35,000 Starter

to

£55,000 Experienced

Typical hours (a week)

42 to 46

You could work

evenings / weekends / bank holidays on shifts

How to become

Explore the different ways to get into this role.

How to become

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.

More Information

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

More Information

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

Assessment and interview

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

Non-technical skills are important in railway signalling jobs. During the assessment day, you'll be tested on safety awareness, staying calm under pressure and working with large amounts of information.

You can find out more about the Network Rail recruitment process to become a signaller.

More Information

Professional and industry bodies

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

Further information

You can find out more about working in the rail industry from Network Rail and Routes into Rail.

What it takes

Find out what skills you’ll use in this role.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

Restrictions and Requirements

You'll need to:

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

What you’ll do

Discover the day to day tasks you’ll do in this role.

What you'll do

Day-to-day tasks

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.

Career path and progression

Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities.

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

Current opportunities

Find apprenticeships, courses and jobs available near you.

Current opportunities

Apprenticeships In England

We can't find any apprenticeship vacancies in England for a railway signaller right now.

The Find an apprenticeship service can help you with your search, send alerts when new apprenticeships become available and has advice on how to apply.

Courses In England

Rail Engineering - Track Maintenance

  • Provider: HEART OF YORKSHIRE EDUCATION GROUP
  • Start date: Flexible
  • Location: Selby

Rail Engineering Track Maintenance Level 2

  • Provider: BIRMINGHAM METROPOLITAN COLLEGE
  • Start date: 15 July 2026
  • Location: Birmingham
Find courses near you

Jobs In the United Kingdom

The Find a job service can help you with your search for jobs and send alerts when new jobs become available.

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