Getting a reference request from potential employer..

[boogiewoogie]

is that normally a good sign that they wish to employ you in the near future?

My current boss who I'm volunteering for got a request last week from an a talent pool agency that I applied for a few weeks before.

Do you mean that you applied for a job through an agency or a job actually working with the agency? If it's the former, I expect they may do this for many clients on their books so they have more certainty they are only putting forwards suitable candidates for jobs to clients. They may reference check everybody on their books.

Well, it's with a FE college and they have their own supply pool for the different departments. I suppose I shouldn't get my hopes up and keep looking elsewhere.