Railroad Conductor Technology

Courses

Major Description

The railways are critical to our nation's livelihood - transporting goods and materials Americans buy and sell across the country. You have a chance to be a part of this exciting industry as a railway conductor. At present, many railway conductors are retiring or approaching retirement, resulting in an excellent job outlook for those interested in seeking a position with a railroad. By enrolling in the conductor certificate program at Dakota County Technical College, you will be putting yourself on the fast track to employment in the industry.

Nature of Work

Railroad conductors carry out specific instructions detailing a train's route and movements. They handle the switching of cars, signal crew members for movement of the engine or train, provide flag protection and relay signals to trains in emergency situations. Conductors will entrain and detrain moving or stationary equipment while train is performing industrial, station, or yard switching. They also fill out forms including train orders and switch lists. Conductors work irregular hours including holidays, weekends, days and nights for periods of time up to 12 hours. They must be constantly alert to changing conditions and be able to take safe and responsible action.

Career Opportunities

DCTC has formed partnerships with Canadian Pacific Railway, Union Pacific Railroad and many other regional and short lines to develop a curriculum to best prepare graduates for employment. Students will complete a one-week orientation and six weeks of classroom and field exercises.

In addition to the training, students will need to meet the physical requirements established by the railroad to be hired.

Program Delivery

The Railroad Conductor program is 15 weeks long and has five to six starts per year. The program includes seven weeks of instructional training and field exercises on campus and an eight week off-campus internship where students are qualified to seek employment with the railroads. Classes meet Monday-Friday, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Admissions Requirements or Prerequisites

In addition to the admissions requirements listed on the Admissions Checklist, applicants to this program must comply with the following requirements:

  • Minimum age of 18
  • H.S. diploma or GED
  • Criminal background check
  • No felonies
  • No DUIs within two years, only one within 5 years
  • Medical Exam
  • Pass color blindness test
  • Vision and hearing acuity
  • Approval by physician to perform on the job
  • Pass drug test
  • U.S. citizen or social security number
  • Pass fitness test

Employment Outlook

  • 40% of the current labor force will retire within 10 years
  • Need hundreds of conductors in MN over the next 5 years
  • 80,000 workers will be hired nationwide over the next 6 years
  • Freight volume will double by 2020
  • Average salary $67,128

Industry Partners

Twin Cities and Western Railroad, Union Pacific, Red River Valley and Western Railroad, Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian National, Progressive Rail Inc., Minnesota Commercial Railway, Chicago Southshore and South Bend Railroad, Northern Plains Railroad, and Northern Lines Railway.

Click Here To View Our Industry Partners

Start Dates

  • August 25, 2008
  • October 20, 2008
  • January 12, 2009
  • March 16, 2009

Tuition

  • $4,500

Specific Responsibilities

  • Carry out specific instructions detailing a train's route and movements.
  • Handle the switching of cars, including coupling and uncoupling cars, and be able to lift out coupling devices.
  • Observes, interprets, and relays signals and other indications affecting movement of train.
  • Signals crew members for movement of the engine or train using specific signals or radio to indicate when to start, stop, back up, set, or release air brakes.
  • Provides flag protection and relays signals to trains in an emergency situation, as stipulated in the operating rules.
  • Moves on and off moving or stationary equipment while train is performing industrial, station, or yard switching. Rides moving car by hanging onto grab irons or ladder, sometimes for an extended period of time.
  • Fills out forms including train orders and switch lists and prepares required clear and legible reports.
  • Works irregular hours, including holidays, weekends, days and nights for periods of time up to 12 hours.
  • Must be constantly alert to changing conditions and events and able to take safe and responsible action as required.

Student Outcomes

  1. Graduates of this program will have the ability to properly perform physical tasks required for operating the train.
  2. Students will become familiar with interpretation and execution of proper signaling.
  3. Students will have knowledge of handling switching and other duties.
  4. Graduates of this program will carry out specific instructions relating to the operation, route, and movement of trains.

Academic Advisors

Dean

  • Mike Opp
    Dean of Transportation and Technical Careers

Faculty

Don Spano 651-423-8352 don.spano@dctc.edu BIO

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