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Railroad Conductor Certificate
The railways are critical to our nation’s livelihood - transporting goods and materials Americans buy and sell across the country. You have a chance to be a part of this exciting industry as a railway conductor. At present, many railway conductors are retiring or approaching retirement, resulting in an excellent job outlook for those interested in seeking a position with a railroad. By enrolling in the conductor certificate program at Dakota County Technical College, you will be putting yourself on the fast track to employment in the industry.
- 40% of the current labor force will retire within 10 years
- Need hundrends of conductors in MN over the next 5 years
- 80,000 workers will be hired nationwide over the next 6 years
- Freight volume will double by 2020
- Average salary $67,128
DCTC has formed partnerships with Canadian Pacific Railway, Union Pacific Railroad, and many other regional and short lines to develop a curriculum to best prepare graduates for employment.
Upon succesful completion of 7 weeks of classroom and field exercises, students are qualified to seek a job with the railroads. The first two months on the job fulfill the requirements for an internship. Completing seven weeks on-campus and eight weeks on the job results in the awarding of a certificate.
In addition to completing training, students will need to meet the physical requirements established by the railroad in order to be hired.
The rail yard is located behind the main building on DCTC's campus. The track is a quarter-mile in length, complete with two switches, which are mechanical installations where the track divides into two different tracks.
Beginning this October, students in the inaugural run of the program will use the rail yard for hands-on development of their skills. A Trackmobile will move the rail cars, allowing students in the program to practice switching, coupling and communicating with an engineer. The students began their training on Sept. 6, largely focusing on classroom activities, and are anxious to put their knowledge into action.
SPECIAL THANKS to Solberg Aggregate and Railroad Specialties for installing our track.
- Ability to properly perform physical tasks required for operating the train.
- Interpretation and execution of proper signaling.
- Handle switching and other duties.
- Carry out specific instructions relating to the operation, route, and movement of the train.
- 18 years old or older
- U.S citizen
- High School Diploma or GED
- Driving record
- Criminal background check ($8)
- No felonies
- Obtain BCA report (651) 793-7000
1430 Maryland Ave. E.
St. Paul, MN 55106
- Medical exam (DOT physical) / Please bring complete DOT report, not just card.
- Visual acuity
- 20/40 in each eye with or without corrective lenses
- Field of vision of at least 70 degrees in the horizontal meridian
- Ability to distinguish color (Ishihara test)
- Binocular vision
- Hearing acuity (40 decibels at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz and 2000 Hz)
- Drug screening ($50)
- Now Care (651) 686-6442 ($50) or your family physician
1970 Rahncliff Court
Eagan, MN 55122
- Fitness test ($195) - Payment is made to Customized Training (Room 2-207) at DCTC before you can take the test.
- Lift 85 lbs. and carry it a specified distance
- Climb and hang onto ladder for 3 minutes
- Walk long distances on uneven ground
- Obtain BTE report (651) 451-6156
NovaCare
60 E. Marie Suite 105
W. St. Paul, MN 55118
- Reading and math assessment
- Obtain from DCTC assessment center
- English Proficiency (reading, writing & speaking)
- Steel-toed boots
- Chet’s Shoes
- Other retailers
- August 25, 2008
- October 20, 2008
- January 12, 2009
- March 16, 2009
(Tuition is $4500)
- Carry out specific instructions detailing a train's route and movements.
- Handle the switching of cars, including coupling and uncoupling cars, and be able to lift out coupling devices.
- Observes, interprets, and relays signals and other indications affecting movement of train.
- Signals crew members for movement of the engine or train using specific signals or radio to indicate when to start, stop, back up, set, or release air brakes.
- Provides flag protection and relays signals to trains in an emergency situation, as stipulated in the operating rules.
- Moves on and off moving or stationary equipment while train is performing industrial, station, or yard switching. Rides moving car by hanging onto grab irons or ladder, sometimes for an extended period of time.
- Fills out forms including train orders and switch lists and prepares required clear and legible reports.
- Works irregular hours, including holidays, weekends, days and nights for periods of time up to 12 hours.
- Must be constantly alert to changing conditions and events and able to take safe and responsible action as required
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