Railway Conductor in Training

[mistercivil]

Howdy all,

I'm currently enrolled in a Railway Conductor training program at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, and I'm a dual citizen (Canadian/American). I'll be graduating in April and I was wondering if any of you out there had ANY advice for me. (Places to work, companies, tips for on the job, dealing with family and shiftwork etc.) I'm married (no kids) and originally from Toronto. The advice doesn't have to be from those currently employed with a railway. I know all my fellow students will appreciate any advice as well. By the way, here's a link to the course website.
http://www.sait.ab.ca/academicsupport/centres/crtt/default.htm

[Anonymous]

As far as who to work for , that depends on you. I work for a small shortline, so there is no shift work,i get to come home at a fairly reasonably hour everyday, and have more time for family,hobbies,ect. I can't speak for all shortlines,but the ones in my area don't pay the greatest wages. I'm planning on applying with CSX in the near future,they pay a lot more than the one I'm with, but until I gain senoirity, I'll have to work the extra board until I can hold a job. I have only been a conductor for a little over six months, so I don't have a lot of advice as for as the job itself other than safety. This can't be stressed enough,this is a very dangerous career,so don't ever get too comfortable around trains, and always be on your toes. I was lost the first couple of weeks, but lukily the conductor that trained me was experienced and tought me well. To me it was like learning to do most any other job, you just have to get out there and do it. I hope this helps. Good luck and be safe.

[mistercivil]

Thanks James.

One thing they have been stressing over and over again is safety, fit for duty, situational awareness, etc. Oh yeah, they stress a LOT of safety. I've also noticed how detail oriented the industry is/should be. Anyway, good luck with CSX. Personally, I'd like to work for CN or CP out of Toronto, but we'll see how things go.

[mistercivil]

By the way, James, what area of the US are you in?

[Anonymous]

I live in Rutledge , Georgia, a small town about 45 minutes from Atlanta. The railroad (s) I work for are located in Social Circle (Walton County), and the other goes from a connection with CSX in Covington (Newton County), to a connection with Norfolk Southern in Shadeydale (Jasper County). Neither of the lines directly connect, but are both ran under the name Great Walton Railroad.

[dehusman]

The Omaha World Herald reported today that the UP will be hiring several thousand trainmen over the next year, replacements for retirees and new business.

[mistercivil]

I saw a similar article. CP is the same way. CN, apparently, is trying to ignore the situation. One of the reasons I decided to go into the industry as a career is because the average age of a RTE is 50+. Lots of room for advancement, movement up the seniority list. Plus trains are cool.