Hi evryone! You all are probably tired of a newcomre asking so many questions and writting so many responses. I hope i'm not annoying you. Any- way I am going to ask you a question that is INCREDABLY important to me, here we go.
I am 13 and in jr. high school. I tell evryone in my class that one day I WILL become a locomotive engineer one way or another! And they don't dought it either! It's what i'm men't to do, I just know it! Now i'm sure you have heard this from many people but I'm serious. I understand I will have to hire on as a freight conductor or a switchman, any one is fine, I can't just start out as a engineer you know!
Also I understand the hours that train crews work. Their irregular! I of course don't know what it's like, but I will ajust to it. My great grandpah was a shop-worker at the C&EI shop's in Danville ILL. My step grandpah worked a GE 44 Tonner at Itell Pulman tn Danville as well. So it's in my blood. I also try to complete activites on Microsoft Train Simulator to try and gain train handaling experiance for now. Also I read as many book's as possible on trains and modern railroading.
So the question is their any thing I can do now that might better my chances at getting hired onwith the railroad? ps. I want to work for Norfolk Southern perferably. Any answers would be greatly appreicated. This mean's a lot to me!!!
The road to to success is always under construction. _____________________________________________________________________________ When the going gets tough, the tough use duct tape.
Yes, there is something you can do right now to further your career choice...
Finish High School with good grades....
No high school, no Class 1 will hire you for T&E service.
23 17 46 11
Keep your nose clean, stay in school, stay in shape (railroading is work). Stay away from recreational chemicals. Always know that you have something to learn, no matter how much you think you know.
Whatever railroad you hire on with will want to teach you how [i]they[/] do it, again, no matter how much you think you know.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
bubbajustinI also try to complete activites on Microsoft Train Simulator to try and gain train handling experience
Is it bad that I chuckled at this?
Anyways, what the guys said, don't jump out of school too soon. Maybe even do a year of general courses in post-secondary to see if there's something that interests you even more.
Go here for my rail shots! http://www.railpictures.net/showphotos.php?userid=9296
Building the CPR Kootenay division in N scale, blog here: http://kootenaymodelrailway.wordpress.com/
Also, have a plan B. If it turns out you are color blind, for example, it won't matter how much you want the job, they likely won't give it to you.
Do you have a potential interest in being a dispatcher, for example? Ask yourself, is it the industry that interests you, or is it the machines? Do you really know that much about either? Take the time to learn, not just dream about "how neat trains are."
And as one previous gent mentioned, run like hell from drugs and people who use them. I lost all my childhood friends in high school becasue they wanted to cut class, get high, etc. I avoided all that, went to college and have achieved the career ambitions that I too had at age 13. Incidentally, most of them clean swimming pools for a living; rather embarrassing at age 45.
I can tell you it was mighty nice when I was directly asked in many job interviews, and could directly answer "NO!" without the slightest reservation, the question "have you ever used drugs?"
I saw other applicants sweating that question: They're thinking, "do I lie so I'm not disqualified outright, or will they see I'm lying and disqualify me for that? Maybe I should just admit it and hope they forgive me?" I didn't have to sweat anything. You don't want to either.
My Grandfather once told me, "always conduct your life so that you can look your parents, a police officer, or your wife straight in the eye." That pretty much says it all.
Using drugs is ANYTHING BUT standing out from the crowd or rebelling. It is conformity in its most cowardly sense.
Also, learn to proof read your work. A clean job application and/or resume' will stand you out from the crowd.
Best wishes, and remember you are inheriting this country. With young guys like you I think we are in good hands.
I agree with everyone above: stay in school, stay off drugs.
You also mentioned you were aware of the irregular hours. This may be an issue that warrants some consideration: is family life a priority? You may also want to consider the possiblility of relocation; are you willing to move away from current friends and family to pursue your dream? Just some stuff to think about.
Below is a link to the Bureau of Labor Statistics information on railroad occupations. It gives you another look at work conditions, current average pay, hours, and projected job growth. I hope it gives you a little more insight!
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos244.htm
"What nody said" (above).
No alcohol use until you're old enough, and even then don't abuse it, either. Maybe I've lived like a monk in that respect, but like nody, I've never had a problem with that part of any application or interview. Stay away from tobacco, too. Also, when you get that old, don't get any driving citations or tickets for moving violations. I've heard that in the interview and qualification process, some railroads view that as a surrogate for how you'll handle their equipment. At the very least, it's a reflection of your skills and judgment.
His advice about polishing up your typing and spelling skills is also good. With the whole world being run by computers these days, you probably already know what havoc can be caused by entering a wrong letter or number, esp. in railroading - something like a wrong car number or milepost or time entry can cause all kinds of problems, like on a track warrant. You're young enough to still have really good eye-hand motor skills and coordination. So you should learn to touch-type without looking on a standard keyboard, and challenge yourself to get really good at it - say, 60 words per minute - beat everyone else in your class for speed and accuracy ! It's really just another video game . . . and having that skill will never hurt you. Also, a standard calculator. I'm amazed at the old-style accountants who can key in and rattle off a column of numbers in seconds without ever looking, and they're all exactly correct.
Some other thoughts: Join the Boy Scouts and work your way up through the ranks. It's a good way to learn lots of things and skills and prove that you've done it, interact with other guys your age, have some adventures - there's even a Railroading Merit Badge, I believe. It'll also provide organizational and leadership training along the way. That maybe sounds dull in the abstract, but wait until you're trying to put a tent up in windy conditions (or worse). Coordinating and planning with others to accomplish something in outdoor conditions that are unpredictable and ad hoc without anyone getting hurt - that's just like railroading ! It'll also look good on your resume - I've never known it to hurt anyone.
Learn all you can about mechanical things - like big diesel engines - and how they are controlled and regulated. Also electrical systems and electronics, like computers and their networks. Sure, to operate a locomotive you may not need to be able to design and build them, but the knowledge will be useful and helpful. All contemporary locos are just a big assembly of an engine, the generator and motors, and all the electrical gear and electronics that control them, plus the accessories and auxilliaries - air compressor and braking system, dynamic brakes, radiators, cooling fans, sanders, self-steering trucks, and the like. Further, the newer locos - the hybrids and gen-sets - are even more complicated with their controls.
Plus, the Positive Train Control ("PTC") system is coming in a few years - yet another computer and technology-driven system to have to know about.
Finally - go to this site, and wallow in it - seriously !
http://www.alkrug.vcn.com/home.html
It's Al Krug's Home Page. Al is a no-nonsense loco engineer for BNSF with over 35 years of experience. His "Tales From the Krug" page - http://krugtales.50megs.com/rrpictale/rrpictale.htm - has lots of fun essays and stories with photos. But be sure to read his discussion of "Rules" at: http://krugtales.50megs.com/rrpictale/rules/rules.htm
Most importantly, read, study, learn, memorize, and understand everything he has to say on his "Railroad Facts and Figures" page at: http://www.alkrug.vcn.com/rrfacts/rrfacts.htm His discussions of air brakes, grades, horsepower and tractive effort, and amps, etc. are as good as can be found anyplace. Parts of them have even been included in books on train operations. Plus, the logic and thinking that controls all this will be good for you to learn. It is all essentially applied physics or mechanics and math. What you learn there will be useful when it comes time to study those subjects in school, and vice-versa. That can help with the motivation on those long nights.
You'll see that he even has a page on "How to become a Locomotive Engineer" at: http://www.alkrug.vcn.com/rrfacts/engr_req.htm Note that he appears to say that the preferred way for most big railroads to hire engineers is: "Hire anyone from within the company who wants to change careers such as trackmen, signalmen, or shop personel." Of course, those people have already proven themselves with the railroad. Which is another reason I recommend learning about all those things mentioned above - they may get you into a position that could be a pretty good stepping-stone to being selected for engineer's training.
Hope this is helpful. Others may have different opinions - it'll be up to you to sort them out, it'll be your life. Good luck with it.
Look forward to your future postings on the Fourm
- Paul North.
P.S. - My wife and I raised a daughter who is now 30, a Professional Geologist with a B.S. and M.S. degrees, employed by a large multi-national environmental company and a pretty happy personal life, so I have some - but not much, to be fair - qualifications and experience in counseling younger people towards careers.
Hi all! Thank you for ansering my questions!!! I have so mutch drive now to become a locomotive engineer!!! I'm in the Boy Scouts already, i'm a tenderfoot almost 2nd class, and of course my first merit badge was railroading! I had a class in 6th grade on typing. I have to look but I can type kind of fast. I think... I'm not always the best speller but I will work on that. I of course won't get into drugs and I will stay in school I get A's, B's and C's so I think that's good. I never really thought about liking the industry about the machines that move it. I never thougt about it that way. However It's the fact of being one of the selected few who get to say I'm a railroader that makes me wan't to be a railroader and engineer. and the fact of movig a 15,000 thousand ton train with the move of a finger!! I won't get married so if i do get transferred it won't be hard on the kds or wife. I WASN'T GOING TO GET MARRIED ANY WAYS. I know this is what I am going to do and I send a very special railfan thank you to evryone who responded to me!!!!!!!!!! It really means a lot!!!
Now the challang is getting hired on and balincing being a railfan and a locomotive engineer!
bubbajustinHi all! Thank you for ansering my questions!!! I have so mutch drive now to become a locomotive engineer!!! I'm in the Boy Scouts already, i'm a tenderfoot almost 2nd class, and of course my first merit badge was railroading! I had a class in 6th grade on typing. I have to look but I can type kind of fast. I think... I of course won't get into drugs and I will stay in school I get A's, B's and C's so I think that's good. I won't get married so if i do get transferred it won't be hard on the kds or wife. I WASN'T GOING TO GET MARRIED ANY WAYS. I know this is what I am going to do and i send a very special railfan thank you to evryone who responded to me!!!!!!!!!! It really means a lot!!!
Hi all! Thank you for ansering my questions!!! I have so mutch drive now to become a locomotive engineer!!! I'm in the Boy Scouts already, i'm a tenderfoot almost 2nd class, and of course my first merit badge was railroading! I had a class in 6th grade on typing. I have to look but I can type kind of fast. I think... I of course won't get into drugs and I will stay in school I get A's, B's and C's so I think that's good. I won't get married so if i do get transferred it won't be hard on the kds or wife. I WASN'T GOING TO GET MARRIED ANY WAYS. I know this is what I am going to do and i send a very special railfan thank you to evryone who responded to me!!!!!!!!!! It really means a lot!!!
At your age, i don't think its up to you to judge that.
And be a normal kid, not a foamer. I'm not joking. Most of the reason people don't care that i'm into trains is because i'm not a big geeky nerd. I don't go off spoutng facts about trains, acting like a know-it all. I play football and baseball, and hope to go to college with a scholarship. I hang out with people. (albeit less than I should) I work for a railroad, legally, and will be fully certified as a fireman/conductor this year. I read a ton, pick up any knowledge I can get, and store it away for later. I am friendly, and not an introvert.
I enjoy rail fanning, and taking pictures. This is important to me, but I do not tresspass. I do not wave to the trains crew foamer-like, I give them a head nod and and hand wave, and they always return it. These guys are the ones you will learn everything from.
And take it from me, if anyone goes back and looks at my posts since I joined, it will be an amazing difference. Back then I thought I knew everything, and that everybody loved kids who liked trains. I worked my way u from being an engine window cleaner on Fridays to becoming fully certified this year. It was a journey, but a fun one, and I have had fun along they way. Dont get so wrapped up in MSTS, or trains that you forget to go outside in the fresh spring air and toss a baseball around, or go for a jog, or SOMETHING! Be a kid, but suck knowledge up like a vaccum, and REMEMBER: UNTIL YOU GET CERTIFIED OR ARE IN TRAINING (and even then be very careful about what you say), YOU KNOW LITTLE to NOTHING ABOUT THE JOB ENGINE CREWS DO, SO ACT LIKE IT! Even if you really do know everything, just pretend.
HAVE FUN! Don't let trains get in the way of romance either. I realize at 13 girls may not be a priority yet, but they WILL be soon. Have fun with that!( and no I do not want to hear from any cynical railroaders on THAT matter!)
And MSTS teaches you nothing.
Mechanical Department "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."
The Missabe Road: Safety First
From about a step pr two ahead, here's what I advise.
And remember, I'm simply a Junior who's following in the footsteps of many. Myself? I'm thinking of heading Car Attendent on either Amtrak or a Commuter. It's a smaller work field, but I likes people, I get the enjoyment trains have on me, as well as the opportunity to see that same touch of magic on others as well. And be a part of it. Plus, you get to know youve done something for someone. You took them somewhere. Safely
Oh, and be ready for "The Talk" See my point 3, that's most of it. Hirers will try to scare you. Scare isn't quite the right term, it's to wwed out the weak. First thing I was told when I jobshadowed Kentucky Railway Museum. "Someday, Your going to kill somebody. It;s just a figure of the job. Can you handle it?"
Best of luck, and keep in touch.
-Morgan
I remeber saying that very thing I aint getting married and then came a little red headed girl then this drop dead black haired girl then a blonde and then a few more blondes another red head then a shot gun and now reality is ive made several millions of dollars over the years with the railroad but as most guys will tell you there will be a woman to help you spend those millions your going to make railroading. with that out of the way the next thing is dont drink and drive. a DUI will cost you the chance of ever being a engineer, or in most cases any job with the railroad. finish school and at any interview dont ever say you know that or i can save you money as ive seen that or i can already do that. it will make your application go to the bottom of the waste basket. best thing is be eager to learn and tell them you know nothing. they want clean slates on the ns to train the way they want it.
Hi all.
I figure this is a fine place to jump in with my first post.
I was qualified as an engineer with CP in Nov. 2006. So I think I may help with a couple of suggestions. Most important is finishing your high school. As stated by the other posters, if you don't have a high school diploma, class 1s will not hire you. If you want to be a manager, you will need a degree in business or engineering. You can still run a locomotive and be a manager as managers are often trained as engineers in the event of a strike by operations personel. In a nutshell, a manger has a better lifestyle and better work life balance than most operations personel.
Speaking of strikes, I am surprised that nobody has mentioned union membership so far. To be hired by a class 1 you must be willing to join the union. Joining the union establishes a seniority date and it is this date that will determine your preference of work and when you will be considered for locomotive engineer training. When you are in your final semester at high school, your grades are good and you still desire to be a locomotive engineer, go and submit your application to your class 1 of choice. Even if you are only 17 at the time do it. Once your application is submitted, your seniority date is established. At least this is the way on CP.
By the way, it was 8 years of working on the ground before I was offered engineer training and even now, nearly 3 years after the fact, I still don't have enough seniority to work as an engineer full time.
If I had to do it all over again, I would have gotten my degree, as it would have opened more doors.
I too wanted to work for the railroad at age 13...and when I turned 18 I applied and the hiring officer stated.."but you wear GLASSES"... and at that time that cut me out of ever working for the railroad in an operational capacity. The lessons I learned from this..1) make sure you know what the hiring criteria are...you may not be able to qualifiy 2) have a plan B so that you don't waste valuable time looking for an alternative career..
At your age you should be aiming for the stars...like getting the best education possible..going for scholarships etc...If becoming an engineer is still a dream of yours at 18 or 20 then go for it..
My name is Rodney I have been a qualified locomotive engineer for 4 years now take all of the advice of my railroad brothers. Hear is some more advice todays locomotives are controled by a computer you do not have to be a wiz at it if something goes wrong in the middle of no where you must think out side the box as trouble shooting can get nerve racking.
Rodney
I have worked for a Class 1 railroad and during this time I observed that the better railroaders were the ones who had served in the military. They were more disciplined, adapted well to being away from home, worked well with different types of personalities (believe me when I say you meet all types even in the brotherhood of railroaders), and were, generally, in better physical condition than the fellows who had no military experience. This is only my opinion. Military service is not a job requirement with any Class 1 that I know of.
FlashwaveFrom about a step pr two ahead, here's what I advise. hang around here. Learn somethings. Find a good school advisor, who canhelp you. You WILL get blasted by "You need college! Wer have to shove COllege down your Throat! No big university, no good job for you! Learn Learn Lear! Get Loans earn Scholarships! Pay Later with your kidneys!" And don't get me wrong, college is good. Education is good. But a lot of school counselors are set up for doctor, lawyer, pilot, mechanical engineer etc. A good one can work with you to get you in applicable classes without doing the anove Find train museums Find a good museum involved with the public. Around me, the Indiana Transportation runs in place of a commuter from their station to the Indiana Fairgrounds, and I volunteered as a car attendent. SO I got to get as close to the real thing as I can without insurance panicking at minor next to 100,000 pounds of equipment. It was 80 hrs over 2 weeks of sheer hell. Early rising, late to bed. On your feet all day, same turkey sandwhich provided everyday, heavy lifting up steep ramps. I can't wait to go back. Museums have things to teach. Get to know them, and listen to all of the musuem volunteers you can. They are there because they care. But f you can find one that does more than just museum running, actually work with the public like this, you'll get a whole different taste. These are people who are riding the train to go somewhere (usually, some just ride to ride). And did I menation I learned volumes there? I had the chance to work with someone who was going for their conductor license. She was a real treat. She could run the train with the dedication that an untrained eye would call stern. And at the same time, she could delight the kids. Liten to what the above people said. Some of them are train people. Talk to other train people. If you haven't already, take some buisness classes. Why? Because buisness classes tend to require buisness interviews. This is a great opportunity to start talking wht people like, say the General Transportation Manager of a regional line. I stress regional line because odds are that they are closer tp you than a Class 1, and not as busy. Though busy they most assuredly are. And don't be afraid to be honest. And Dumbfounded. Just don't let Dumbfounded last moe than a day. And remember, I'm simply a Junior who's following in the footsteps of many. Myself? I'm thinking of heading Car Attendent on either Amtrak or a Commuter. It's a smaller work field, but I likes people, I get the enjoyment trains have on me, as well as the opportunity to see that same touch of magic on others as well. And be a part of it. Plus, you get to know youve done something for someone. You took them somewhere. Safely Oh, and be ready for "The Talk" See my point 3, that's most of it. Hirers will try to scare you. Scare isn't quite the right term, it's to wwed out the weak. First thing I was told when I jobshadowed Kentucky Railway Museum. "Someday, Your going to kill somebody. It;s just a figure of the job. Can you handle it?" Best of luck, and keep in touch.
That seems a bit much for a railway museum.
Hi evreyone! How are we this fine Friday evenig! Anyway, I've been following my thread for sevral days and I can only say one thing, thank you all for responding! I realize that I don't know everything but i'm eager to learn. It will of course be a while before I get to be qualified as a engineer, or hire on for that fact, but I know that deep down in my heart this is what i'm going to do. I have so mutch drive and motovation now. One quetion though. I wear glasses will this crush my chances of being a locomotive engineer? Any way like I've said before I am hungry to learn about the railroad and can't wait to try and hire on with the railroad no matter how many times as it takes me to get hired on with the railroad. Thank's again,
Justin
Justin , For the last 36 years I have been living your (and MY ) dream . Been railroading all across the Southeastern part of the U.S. (finally found a home on the former I C Railroad) . First off , as others have stated - EDUCATION , EDUCATION , EDUCATION . No one is going to hire a drop-out . Secondly keep a clean record . No one is going to hire somebody with a criminal record . AND , if you want to be a LOCOMOTIVE ENGINEER you must have a clean DRIVING record ! ! ! Third , keep a healthy body , starting out on the railroad is not for the "leasure class" , you will be doing the grunt work of a new hire . Now , let me see if you REALLY want to be an Engineer . Do you enjoy being with family and friends ? The railroads work 24 / 7 / 365 . As a new hire YOU WILL be working nights , weekends , holidays , birthdays , graduation days , anniversarys , and funeral days . Oh , and on the railroad it is NEVER too hot , too cold , too stormy , too ANYTHING to keep the freight from moving . Are you still with me Justin ? If you are , GOOD , you may have what it takes to be a RAILROADER ! Let me tell you what else you can expect as a RAILROADER , you will see and do what most NORMAL people would not even think of seeing or doing . The people you will meet and work with , the places that you will travel to . The sights and sounds of RAILROADING ! ! Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it . AND , for all of the above stuff mentioned , you get P A I D for doing it . Working on the railroads is getting better , new laws are going into effect that will make life on the railroad a little better for all . As of 16 July 09 the new "Hours of Service " law goes into effect . If a worker makes 6 starts in a week , they get 48 hours off . If a worker makes 7 starts in a week , they get 72 hours off . Kind of nice , my personal best was 146 starts in a row with no off day . With all of the "new" high tech improvements out there railroading is getting easy , we thought air conditioning was as "high tech" as you could get on a locomotive . WE were wrong ! Anyways , I'm starting to rattle on now . In light of that , stick with your dream , read every thing you can about the railroads , ASK QUESTIONS , LISTEN to the answers , don't be a Know-It-All (no one knows it all , I'm learning every day something new ) , AND when you get to go interview for the NS , PLEASE do not tell the interviewer that you are a railfan . BE SAFE OUT THERE ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,The Travler N.O.LA.
Helo! Nice to meet you! I see you have taken the time to give me the "chat".
Anyway I read youre post a few times and I am compleatly ok with working 24/7. I am a boyscout and don't mind being out in all types of weather. Being with my family all the time get's a little tiring too. But I dont take it that I don't like my family, I love them, but it won't bother me to be away from them often. als working nites weekends will be chalenging too but I like a good chalange! It won't bother me that mutch either working holadays like b-days x-mas etc.
Anyway, I apareciate you giving me advice I am glad I got the chat out of the way, and I am perfectally content with it. Thank's a millon! Justin
To All-
Thank you all for all of your advice, words of encouragement, words of wisdom and honesty. My sons intrest in trains has really escelated in the last 4-5 years. Of course I want him to be happy in whatever career he chooses, but I also want him to be realistic. I appreciate your gentle reminders to him to be a kid ! Many of you have offered advice and suggestions that I already have - it somtimes rings more loudly when the advice comes from someone other than a parent. Just wanted to geniunely say thanks again !
Proud parent of Bubbajustin
Just remember, by the time you hire on, you wont be living with your parents anymore.
Amen cntravler I could not have said it better as for the above posting I am retired US Navy all class 1 railroads look at military service as a big plus.
coborn35 Flashwave __Snip__ Oh, and be ready for "The Talk" See my point 3, that's most of it. Hirers will try to scare you. Scare isn't quite the right term, it's to wwed out the weak. First thing I was told when I jobshadowed Kentucky Railway Museum. "Someday, Your going to kill somebody. It;s just a figure of the job. Can you handle it?" Best of luck, and keep in touch. That seems a bit much for a railway museum.
Flashwave __Snip__ Oh, and be ready for "The Talk" See my point 3, that's most of it. Hirers will try to scare you. Scare isn't quite the right term, it's to wwed out the weak. First thing I was told when I jobshadowed Kentucky Railway Museum. "Someday, Your going to kill somebody. It;s just a figure of the job. Can you handle it?" Best of luck, and keep in touch.
__Snip__
Not really. He was a retired Railroader, who wanted to give it to me straight. We had 3 near misses that day, on two runs. People stupidly trying to beat the train across the gates. That's all it is. It's not that as a trainman your gonna be the cause of it, it just might be on your hands. Again. That's part of "The Talk" that tests men's dedication. Tjis was also the guy who told me to know my safety boundaries and abide by them. And can you really disagree?
I can. About the death thing. On a Class 1, sure, you WILL kill someone. On a tourist..no. We hae been running for 20 years with no fatalities. To tell your volunteers that they WILL kill someone is over kill. To let them know of the possibility, by all measn, it needs to be said. But to garuntee, absurd.
This young guy should really focus on his spelling and word use (like when he uses their instead of they're). Many companies will deep six your resume with spelling and grammar errors. Not nitpicking but pointing out a fact of life. Maybe by the time he gets out of school there will be some jobs out there.
TonyM.
Anyone 13-14 yrs age should focus on school, getting good grades, enjoying the school life--sports, activities such as clubs, debate, ect, proms, hanging out w/ friends of good nature and getting a date. There is nothing wrong w/ thinking on what one may want to try in the post school world but for the time being, just enjoy this time in your life and don't take the rr issue serious. There will come a day for that later on but not right now. Just be cool.
I could go into a great tirade about modern education, but I will not. No one should depend upon the spell checker or grammar checker on his word processor. The spell checker cannot tell which is right when it comes to homophones (words that sound alike, such as "their" and "they're"). The people who write grammar checkers know little about more than simple sentence structure. My wife's older daughter did not learn to read until she started school, and she is not a great reader for pleasure; she has some difficulty in spelling. Her younger daughter learned to read earlier, and read much more for pleasure; she does much better in spelling. Reading well-written material, with pleasure, can help in learning both spelling and writing intelligible sentences.
Justin, I am glad to know that you are wanting to learn about one of the greatest forms of transportation ever. To paraphrase what SW 1200 said, it is important to be able to communicate what you know, what you are, and what you want to know. I encourage you to consider all the advice that we have given on this thread--and remember that we should never say, "I know it all."
Johnny
CNTRAVLR, Deggesty, SFbrkmn, SW1200:
It fills me with hope for this country's future that you're emphasizing education, and not just going through the motion of schooling, but actually taking the lessons to heart -- the stuff like spelling, grammar, math, typing, critical thinking, learning how to participate and contribute to a team. Thank you.
I have a bunch of young people working for me now, some with college degrees and some without. (Somehow I got old and now I'm the one they look up to. ) Those that have mastered the basic skills of the Grades 1-12 are succeeding in their careers, confident, and happy, and we are promoting them. Those that have trouble composing a sentence, spelling, typing, using an Excel chart, and doing basic thinking -- they are not succeeding, they know they are not, they lack confidence, and they are very worried about their future.
It's very much an either/or test I have for new hires: I ask them to write a simple report -- four paragraphs. If they can't do that because they can't write a sentence, and spell basic words, and do simple algebra, they have no future in our organization, and the other bosses and I start looking for something simple they can do where they won't fail and won't be able to make mistakes that cost us -- because if they can't write a sentence, they probably aren't much good at anything else either. It's shocking how many people actually get out of a 4-year college and STILL can't do that. These people are in deep trouble and I feel very bad for them.
The competition out there in the world for good jobs just gets stiffer every day. In about 10 years a lot of the work we do that we now need to have a college-trained person do for us, sitting out in a cube outside my door, we'll probably find that we can find a person just as smart in India. I don't want to send one job to India, ever. But if people in this country don't get serious about learning better, faster, more, others will catch up, and the free market will crush them. Our competitors don't let any grass grow beneath their feet, and their price and quality competition bites at our heels.
RWM
Forgive me, was not clear and misunderstood what the replies meant. What the gentleman meant was referring to Class 1. But he told it to me whan I jobshadowed at the museum. And then to make his point, people jumped the gates that day. Sorry. I Need to be more observant of the text.
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