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Re: Conductor's training
Author: Severe Duty
Date: 01-25-2011 - 08:31
Recent news suggests that at least the rail industry is starting to recover. Does anyone know how many operating employees are still furloughed?
A. None where I work. All have been recalled, and others that were out of work changed districts to keep working. Classes of new-hire Conductors have been run in the past six months, with more on the way.
Assuming the railroads may start hiring again by this fall, is there really any justification for anyone to pay $4,500 to $6,500 to a public or private school for a conductor's training program? And have to pay for some type of lodging for 6,9 or 15 weeks in addition?
A. Not in my mind. I also think it might work against you, as my employer looks more at past job performance, drug/alcohol screening, physical aptitude and disability history, and text-book competance. They also seem to prefere people who don't have any preconceived notions about the craft.
Does it really take that long to get through a class on the railroad operating rules?
A. Thirteen weeks is the norm for where I work. It actually takes a couple of years on the job before there is any real comfort in your knowledge. Know-it-alls usually get everyone in trouble. There are many conflicting operating scenarios and rules, and many duplicious rules and instructions.
Does spending a few days coupling cars really qualify someone to be turned loose as a qualified condcutor?
A. Not on your life!
According to the proposed rules, a conductor can't be certified by a school since they have to qualify on knowledge of their territory.
A. That's probably true, but what trumps that is the FRA mandate that Conductors become certified like Engineers by 2012. That requires the Carrier to do that, no provision was made to allow outside certifications, to my knowledge.
Any comments?
A. Sure, just ask! I've ALWAYS got an opinion about ANYTHING!
A. None where I work. All have been recalled, and others that were out of work changed districts to keep working. Classes of new-hire Conductors have been run in the past six months, with more on the way.
Assuming the railroads may start hiring again by this fall, is there really any justification for anyone to pay $4,500 to $6,500 to a public or private school for a conductor's training program? And have to pay for some type of lodging for 6,9 or 15 weeks in addition?
A. Not in my mind. I also think it might work against you, as my employer looks more at past job performance, drug/alcohol screening, physical aptitude and disability history, and text-book competance. They also seem to prefere people who don't have any preconceived notions about the craft.
Does it really take that long to get through a class on the railroad operating rules?
A. Thirteen weeks is the norm for where I work. It actually takes a couple of years on the job before there is any real comfort in your knowledge. Know-it-alls usually get everyone in trouble. There are many conflicting operating scenarios and rules, and many duplicious rules and instructions.
Does spending a few days coupling cars really qualify someone to be turned loose as a qualified condcutor?
A. Not on your life!
According to the proposed rules, a conductor can't be certified by a school since they have to qualify on knowledge of their territory.
A. That's probably true, but what trumps that is the FRA mandate that Conductors become certified like Engineers by 2012. That requires the Carrier to do that, no provision was made to allow outside certifications, to my knowledge.
Any comments?
A. Sure, just ask! I've ALWAYS got an opinion about ANYTHING!
