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Dec 12, 2024
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PUBLISHED 2022-2023 Credit Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]
Railway Conductor
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 Return to: Programs in the School of Transportation
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Program Description
Train to be a railway conductor and launch your career in the growing railway operations industry. In just 12 weeks you will learn the specific responsibilities of a conductor, including moving, marshalling and switching rail cars. This program involves a combination of online and on-campus learning opportunities with visits to nearby industrial sites, and hands-on training in a private mini rail yard, complete with tracks and rail cars. Throughout the program, you will gain a solid understanding of the Canadian Railway Operating Rules (CROR) and related safety systems, specific responsibilities of a conductor, and operating procedures related to train marshalling and switching. You will also become well-versed in the mechanical components of rail cars, air brake systems and communication systems. Due to increased demand for transportation for the distribution of commodities and manufactured products, the railway industry is experiencing significant growth that will increase employment opportunities in the years to come. The demand for job-ready graduates will also increase as the industry expects high retirement rates due to an aging demographic, creating opportunities for career advancement in various positions. Program Overview
As a railway conductor you will be accountable for the safe operation of rail cars and related equipment. You will be held responsible for the switching and marshalling of cars, assembling trains within the yard, and moving cars between yards, sidings or tracks. You will need to be able to follow instructions which have been issued from the management office and dispatch. Graduates of this program may find work as railway conductors, other related occupations within Canada’s two national railways, or with one of many short line or regional carrier rail operations. With further training, rail conductors often have the opportunity to advance to locomotive engineer or into management positions.
Your Career
As a conductor, your role is to achieve high levels of customer satisfaction through the use of safe and cost- effective processes to optimize operations. You will be responsible for switching and marshalling cars; setting off and picking up customers cars; making up trains within the rail yard; and moving cars between rail yards, sidings or tracks according to instructions originating with yard and train planners or network management centres and dispatch offices. Graduates may find work as railway conductors and other related occupations within Canada’s two national railways, with a short line or regional carrier, or an industrial rail operator. As a graduate, you will be rewarded with challenging and interesting positions, paying good salaries and having opportunities for advancement including locomotive engineer and/or management. Conductors are typically promoted to locomotive engineers with further training and qualification.
Student Success
For students to succeed in this career, railway conductor graduates must possess strong situational awareness and the ability to work safely. Excellent English proficiency is required in both verbal and written formats, and good planning and decision-making skills are needed for success.
Railways operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so shift work and working during weekends and holidays is very likely. Rail Conductors often work outside in the weather and are expected to lift heavy objects up to 38.5 kgs (85lbs), as well as be in good physical condition. Applicants to railway companies will be expected to pass government-mandated medical examinations including testing for color-blindness, hearing acuity and drug screening. Applicants may also be given security screening by the hiring company.
Anyone with concerns, should consult with the employment office of the respective railway he or she wishes to apply to. To gain employment in the rail industry as a conductor, the student is responsible for determining the minimum medical and physical standards required by individual rail companies. SAIT does not provide screening services for the purpose of meeting these standards.
Credentials
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT Railway Conductor Certificate. Job Grant Note: This program is eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant
Job Grant
Note: This program is eligible for the Canada-Alberta Job Grant
Progression
The progression requirement for students taking credit courses is a Term GPA and Total Institutional GPA of 2.0, with the exception of English Language Foundations and Academic Upgrading programs.
Admission Requirements
At least 50% in the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Math 20-3, AND,
- A Grade 12 English.
- All applicants must demonstrate English Language Proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
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