I have tried to message NARS with these questions which I have waited quite some time for them to send me a message back which I would like to ask several questions about NARS:
1. Does NARS handle individual tours of there building?
2. What is the NARS Job Placement Rate, I know this is kind of hard to find out but what do you think the job placement rate would be?
My mom and dad want me to do this when I want to do another, what is your thought of which choice would be easier to find a railroad career such as a conductor:
Mom and Dad: Go to a 2-Year college and than go to NARS
Me: Hold a job for 2 years and than go to NARS. the 2 years job I would like to become something around construction such as a construction laborer.
I think the idea I have is better because I have learned that some railroads love to see someone who has held a career for a while and has some kind of experience in the rail industry (NARS)
what is your opinion: The Parents Or Mine and please give the best answer you can about the 2 questions I had because in a couple weeks my parents want answers which I had sent a message to NARS 3 weeks ago and never got a reply.
Thank You!
Or instead of getting a meaningless job for two years then spending for foamer school just hire out.
The CN will LITERALLY hire anyone.
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
B-Daddy,
I started college(did not like it) and went into train service. After 19 months of train service, I found that I really did not like the long hours away from home. Getting a 'draft' notice in 1969 was an escape from the job, and gave me time to 'think'. After I got back from Vietnam I used my GI Bill education money to go back to school(I had a much better attitude). The railroad called me about a year after I got out of the Army, but by then I was 'into' school. Around 10-12 years later, the railroad called me again - They were looking for former engine service employees that they could offer positions to - out on the coal lines in the PRB. By that time I had a good high-tech 'day' job and did not take the offer.
Maybe you will like it - but if I were you I would get some kind of alternate education under my belt. Getting a 'construction' job without vocational training and a union card may be sort of tough. I have a friend who also went to work at the same time for the railroad. He retired last year at age 60 as a conductor. He was lucky enough to hold a position working an afternoon/evening job and got home every evening after work. I am sure I could have stayed employed with the railroad, but working a 'chain gang' road pool was not the life for me. I lost 3 girlfriends in that 19 months - I was 'married' to the railroad, waiting for that 'call' as soon as I had my rest.
I suspect you are in the Chicago area. You are going to start out as a brakeman working the mainline or in the yard - depending if you can bid on a job and get off of the extra board. You will also be subject to being laid off as traffic decreases and older guys with more 'whiskers' bump you. Be prepared to work on/off for the first 2-3 years until you have enough time in. As far as the railroad academy - I am not sure you will be a better 'new hire' - You will have a 'student loan' to pay off!
Jim
Modeling BNSF and Milwaukee Road in SW Wisconsin
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