How to Become a Train Conductor in North Carolina
- 1). Meet all basic requirements. North Carolina rail companies will state basic requirements of age, education and work experience under “minimum qualifications” in a job posting. Most require an applicant to be 18 years of age with a driver's license and good driving record. An applicant must also have a high school diploma and several years of work experience or college courses.
- 2). Work with heavy machinery and have outside work experience. Rail companies look for people who like to work outdoors and have worked with and around heavy machinery. Previous experience driving a truck, operating heavy equipment such as cranes, backhoes, tow tractors or refueling machines or repairing heavy machinery is applicable.
- 3). Work in a 24/7 or on-call environment. Rail companies require conductors to respond to on-call requests. Some companies may ask the conductor to be available within two hours of a request. Familiarity with this type of work schedule and a willingness to participate in a timely manner is demonstrated by proof of previous experience in a similar environment.
- 4). Understand oral, written, sound and visual communications. Conductors must be able to write, read and communicate clearly and be able to translate sound and visual displays (color and symbol signs). Train conductor applicants may be asked to take a hearing and color test.
- 5). Respond easily to physical tasks. Conducting is a physical job requiring the conductor to climb, lift, balance and endure standing for long periods of time. Applicants may be required to undergo a medical exam and a drug test and pass an endurance test before being hired. Getting in shape before applying is advisable.
- 6). Complete all training required by the employer. Once you are hired as a conductor, you will enter a training stage that can last up to six or seven months. Training will include classroom and on the job instruction under the supervision of an experienced conductor. Training is paid for by the rail company. Training will also include instruction on safety requirements outlined by the Federal Railroad Administration.
- 7). Learn about the collective bargaining agreement you will be working under. A train conductor is normally required to become a union member as a part of his hiring package. The union manages the conductor's contract and job agreements through collective bargaining with the rail company and will take dues from the conductor's paycheck. Ask the rail company which union you will need to join in order to become a conductor on their rail line. Contact the union and find out more about joining.
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