FAQs

FAQs

Am I guaranteed a job upon completion of a NARS program?

You can be confident your NARS training has prepared you for a new career in the railroad industry. However, it is up to you to secure employment. With nearly 500 Class I, regional and short line railroads in North America, thousands of jobs are open right now. Some Class 1 Railroads and Short Line Railroads put on their job postings that NARS graduates will be given preference. While others will not take anyone unless, they successfully completed a NARS program.

How do I find information on job openings with railroads?

A number of railroads contact NARS wanting to orient and/or interview FastTrack students. Some railroads send job postings and they are made available to current classes. We also offer students the opportunity to post resumes on Career Exec Employment Database. We also encourage students to initiate contact with the human resources departments of the railroads where you would like to be employed.

How much will I make?

Salaries will vary by employer, location and demand. You could make as much as $60,000.00 during the first year as a conductor. Other jobs for which you train at NARS often offer starting salaries that are among the highest of any industry.

What is the cost of a FastTrack program?

The cost differs for each of the FastTrack programs. Current tuition costs range between $4,500-$6,000 per program. Specific costs for each program can be found in the respective application packet. To obtain an application packet, please select from one of the options below:

Can I use a Pell Grant to pay for a NARS program?

NARS programs are not federally funded and therefore do not qualify for Pell Grants.

Can I do the program online?

No. Courses are taught only at our facilities on the Johnson County Community College campus in Overland Park, KS. To qualify for railroad craft positions you need hands-on training in current equipment and systems. At NARS, your training takes place in classroom settings, laboratories and real-world field environments.

When are classes held?

Our programs are normally full-time, Monday through Friday, beginning at 8 a.m. This concentration enables you to complete a program in just a few weeks.

Does the tuition include lodging?

Tuition pays only for classes. Lodging, meals, laundry, travel, etc. is additional and your responsibility.

What do I do about lodging?

Most out-of-town students stay in local hotels or motels. Be sure to ask reservations if they offer a discount to NARS students. We can give you a list of local hotels.

Do Class I railroads accept and hire your grad's, or do I have to go to their school?

Both Class 1 and Shortline Railroads hire NARS graduates. The industry still hires off the street, but as stated earlier NARS graduates will be given preference.

Am I guaranteed a job?

No, it is up to the individual to successfully complete the program. During the course or after successful completion, the student will apply for conductor openings. After receiving the application and the students resume, that railroads Human Resource Department will contact the individual, if that individual will make a good fit for their railroad.

What is the process after Human Resources calls me in for an interview?

All railroads policies differ, but here are some general guidelines:

  • Have the required passing General Code of Operating score if required
  • Successfully pass the interview
  • Pass railroads aptitude test if administered
  • Pass hearing and vision
  • Pass strength test, physical, drug and alcohol test, weight/height ratio
  • Pass background check

After completing the conductor class, how soon can I expect to land a railroad job?

It all again depends on your successfully completing each step of those railroads hiring process, and their hiring needs.

I do not want to relocate, what are my options?

Railroads hire at specific locations. If you do not want to relocate, the chances of having to wait longer for the opportunity at that location becomes greater. If your options are open on any railroad, at any location, then of course your opportunities become greater.

Which railroad will I be eligible to work for after successfully completing the conductor course?

Consider yourself a free agent. You can work for any railroad that wants to employ you and at any location.

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