A train driver drives 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 a 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 for a GED.You have to be at least 16 years old to take the GED test.
Step 2: Train as a locomotive engineer.
The basics of railroad work are required for all entry-level railroad positions.Community and state colleges offer degrees in railroad operations and locomotive engineering.There are directories online 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 beginner-level positions 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.Railroad 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 have 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 adhere to procedures.
Step 5: If you are 21 years old or older, apply for a training position.
To apply for a locomotive engineering position, you must 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.Post locomotive engineering positions are the same as entry-level positions.Train drivers have to pass a number of tests before they can drive.
Step 6: The training needs to be completed.
During the training period you will learn how to operate the train.Training will involve a combination of classroom and hands-on exercises.Some railroads may partner with a college or University in the area.For up to 2 months, others will require you to go offsite.Before locomotive engineers begin their on-the-job training, they must spend at least eight 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 can take a written test.
Railroad companies are required by the Federal Railroad Administration to oversee their own certification process.The written test is the first part of the certification process and 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 that you can take based on your experience.Train service engineers have a lot of experience.They can drive locomotives with cars attached.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 an 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 must demonstrate 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 taking a 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.