License

[Anonymous]

Retired from the UP a little over a year ago and they get their engineers by hiring them as switchman (where applicable) or conductors, give them training as needed and after 1 year start them in a engineer training program that consits of classroom and field training with regular engineers.

They receive a license similar to drivers license and must carry it when they are operating a locomotive. They are observed yearly and requalified as required by federal law.

[zardoz]

Mookie:
When I graduated from Engineers School, I received a diploma, then went out as a student for 6 weeks, then started as a fireman (on-the-job training [pun intended]). Then after a period of time [determined by the "Travelling Engineer"], the "traveller" rode with me on a trip to ascertain my skill level. It was the travellers' decision as to whether I was "qualified'. Around 1990 or so, the government implemented a program of Federal Engineers Licence. It had to be renewed every five years. It was subject to being revoked, withheld, or suspended depending on the rule violation. At the same time, rules were put in effect that subjected the engineer to federal fines for rule violations, as well as discipline from the railroad. The licence was valid for every railroad, and every engineer is required to have one.

jim

[zardoz]

Mookie:
When I graduated from Engineers School, I received a diploma, then went out as a student for 6 weeks, then started as a fireman (on-the-job training [pun intended]). Then after a period of time [determined by the "Travelling Engineer"], the "traveller" rode with me on a trip to ascertain my skill level. It was the travellers' decision as to whether I was "qualified'. Around 1990 or so, the government implemented a program of Federal Engineers Licence. It had to be renewed every five years. It was subject to being revoked, withheld, or suspended depending on the rule violation. At the same time, rules were put in effect that subjected the engineer to federal fines for rule violations, as well as discipline from the railroad. The licence was valid for every railroad, and every engineer is required to have one.

jim

[Mookie]

Going to renew my driver's license this year. [:0] No comments!

So now I want to know - briefly - I get hired on a railroad. What is the process after the hiring? It used to be 2 student trips and a new fireman would work with an engineer. But now - ?

And what authorizes you to run an engine? My car requires a drivers license.
What does the railroad give you - a framed certificate of completing your student trips, a plaque with your name engraved in gold, or a tattoo on your ....?

Since there is no fireman to engineer, where do engineers come from? (take it easy on this one!)

You don't have to get too graphic, since I am able to follow along pretty well.

And does this make any sense to anyone out there?

Jen

[Mookie]

Going to renew my driver's license this year. [:0] No comments!

So now I want to know - briefly - I get hired on a railroad. What is the process after the hiring? It used to be 2 student trips and a new fireman would work with an engineer. But now - ?

And what authorizes you to run an engine? My car requires a drivers license.
What does the railroad give you - a framed certificate of completing your student trips, a plaque with your name engraved in gold, or a tattoo on your ....?

Since there is no fireman to engineer, where do engineers come from? (take it easy on this one!)

You don't have to get too graphic, since I am able to follow along pretty well.

And does this make any sense to anyone out there?

Jen