A train driver is driving a train.Locomotive engineers, railroad engineers or foot plate men are what they're called.Whether you want to stay close to home and work for a local railroad or you prefer to travel further away with a regional railroad, it's a job that offers a variety of options.Benefits of being a member of a union include job security and a pension.
Step 1: You can get your high school or GED.
You must be at least 18 years of age and have a high school diploma or equivalent to apply for most entry-level railroad jobs.It is necessary for you to complete high school in order to be able to work in the railroad.A challenging exam is required to pass a GED.You have to be at least 16 years of age to take the GED test.
Step 2: There is a locomotive engineer training program.
The basics of railroad work are required for all entry-level railroad positions.Community and state colleges offer degrees in locomotive engineering and railroad operations.There are online directories that can help you locate a training center.These can be helpful for connecting you to job opportunities in your area, as well as providing you with the training you need.
Step 3: There are positions for beginners with the railroad.
Locomotive engineers start out as conductors, rail yard engineers, switch operators or yardmasters, where they learn about the policies, operations and routes of the railroad before moving into training to become a driver.Getting your foot in the door in a starter position will give you a chance to learn about railroad work and earn a living.Railroad websites have links for job and career opportunities.Rail jobs can be found on forums like the one hosted by RailServe.com.If you're interested in driving commuter trains or subway trains, you need to check for jobs with public transit authorities.Railroad companies attend job fairs at community colleges and local universities.
Step 4: You need to work your way up to a train driver position.
Beyond age, education and physical ability, railroads look for drivers who possess strong leadership, decision making, and organizational skills, among other things.Basic literacy can be shown in reading, math and simple computing.Work well with others.It is possible to learn and follow procedures.
Step 5: If you're 21 years old or older, apply for a training position.
To apply for a locomotive engineering position, you have to be 21 years old and have a high school diploma or equivalent.Railroad websites and job forums are good places to look for job postings.There are the same sites for entry-level positions and locomotive engineering positions.Train drivers must pass a number of tests before they can drive.
Step 6: The training needs to be completed.
You will learn how to operate the train during the training period.A combination of classroom and hands-on exercises will be used for training.Some railroads may partner with a college or University in the area.For up to 2 months or more, others will require you to go offsite.Before locomotive engineers begin their on-the-job training, they must spend at least 8 weeks at their training center in Delaware.You will have to memorize all the physical aspects of the train routes you will drive in order to be certified.
Step 7: You have to take a written test.
Each railroad company is required to oversee its own certification process.The first part of the certification process is the written test, which is based on studying each railroad's operating practices, equipment inspection procedures, train route knowledge and Federal safety regulations.Student engineer, locomotive servicing engineer and train service engineer are the levels of certification you can take based on your experience.Train service engineers have a lot of experience.Cars may be attached to locomotives.Locomotive engineers can operate trains, but can't drive them with cars attached.Student engineers are only allowed to operate trains under the direct supervision of their instructor.
Step 8: You have to take a skills test.
The skills test evaluates your knowledge of operating practices, equipment inspection procedures, train route knowledge and Federal safety regulations.You have to show that you can put your knowledge into practice while you are behind the controls of a train.The Federal Railroad Administration will allow a retest if you fail the skills test.
Step 9: You have a mastery of your route.
The Federal Railroad Administration requires candidates for certification to be proficient in the physical aspects of their assigned route in addition to the standard written and skills test.It is up to each railroad company to determine how they assess this knowledge, but the use of train simulations is common.
Step 10: Continuing education and training is required.
The Federal Railroad Administration periodically retests you when you work for a railroad company.If you are assigned to a new train route, additional training periods are required to ensure you know the route inside and out.