Railroad Conductor Training
Do you want to be in charge of the train?
The career: Railroad Conductor
Freight Train Conductors supervise pre-trip activities, over-the-road operation of their train, post-trip activities and overall safe and efficient movement of their train.
What else do I need to know about being a railroad freight conductor?
Conductors are responsible for inspecting, switching, and spotting cars and making up trains. They ensure that rail equipment stays on the move, keeping commodities and finished goods rolling between points of origin and destination. Conductors also ensure compliance with all railroad rules and the regulations of the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA).
Once the train is made up, the train crew boards the train, and with all their required paperwork and instructions, moves the train to its next destination. En route, the conductor supervises the operation and administration of the train.
Conductors are responsible for...
- Overall train operation
- All train documentation
- Any restrictions existing in their train
- Speed requirements of their train
- Track restrictions of their train
- Classification of their train
- Pre-trip planning
- Post-trip planning
As part of their job, conductors...
- Verify the placement of cars on the train
- Inspect for hazardous material cars
- Inspect for FRA requirement on the equipment
- Meet tonnage requirements for their train
- Verify signals
- Inspect line signals
- Pick up and set out cars
- Assist in picking up and setting out locomotives from the train
What will I learn at NARS?
You take five courses in our classrooms, laboratories and field locations during the six-week program on the campus of Johnson County Community College, Overland Park, KS, a suburb of Kansas City.
You will be instructed in all the work skills required for the duties of a railroad conductor, including problem solving, teamwork, communications and technical skills. You will learn the General Code of Operating Rules, how to work safely around railroad equipment, secure freight cars, line switches, night time hands-on training, remote control operations, how to inspect, switch and 'spot' cars, and how to make-up trains.
Conductors learn and practice skills in an outdoor train yard, complete with various types of operating locomotives and freight cars.
What are the results at the end of the program?
Successful completion of the Railroad Conductor Training Program qualifies you for entry-level conductor positions with most railroads. You will receive a certificate of completion and you will also have 16 hours of college credit, giving you a great start on an Applied Associate of Science (AAS) degree. You will also be a top candidate for employment in the railroad industry.
Is this the right career for me?
- I am good with details.
- I like being on a team.
- I am able to follow rules and procedures.
- I like to promote safety for myself and others.
- I like to keep things organized and in order.