Railroad Conductor Technology

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Overview

  • Delivery: Daytime Classes
  • Start: January, March, May or August (7 weeks), Full-Time
  • Location: Rosemount Campus

Outcomes

Gainful Employment Reports

Major Description

This program prepares students to serve as railroad conductors in the railway industry, which is critical to our nation's livelihood. Retirement rates of current conductors promise excellent job opportunities. DCTC formed partnerships with Canadian Pacific Railway, Union Pacific Railroad and many other regional and short lines to develop a curriculum that puts graduates on the fast track to employment in the industry.

Work Environment

Railroad conductors oversee train routes, movements and car switching through a range of duties, including the relay of signals in emergency situations. Conductors work irregular hours, including holidays, weekends, days and nights for shifts up to 12 hours. Constantly alert to changing conditions, they are trained to act safely and responsibly.

Potential Job Titles

  • Train Conductor
  • Car Distributor
  • Freight Conductor
  • Trainmaster

Salary Data

  • Average Wage: $25.83/hour
  • Top Earners: $32.00/hour

Admissions Requirements or Prerequisites

In addition to the requirements on the Admissions Checklist, program applicants must comply with the following:

  • Minimum age of 18
  • H.S. diploma or GED
  • Criminal background check
  • No felonies
  • No DUIs within two years, only one within 5 years
  • Medical exam
  • Pass color blindness test
  • Vision and hearing acuity
  • Approval by physician to perform on the job
  • Pass drug test
  • U.S. citizen or social security number
  • Pass fitness test

Industry Partners

Twin Cities & Western Railroad, Union Pacific, Red River Valley & Western Railroad, Canadian Pacific Railway, Canadian National, Progressive Rail Inc., Minnesota Commercial Railway, Chicago Southshore & South Bend Railroad, Northern Plains Railroad, Dakota, Minnesota & Eastern Railroad and Northern Lines Railway.

Start Dates

  • March 19, 2012
  • May 14, 2012
  • August 27, 2012
  • October 22, 2012

Academic Advisors

Dean

  • Mike Opp
    Dean of Transportation and Technical Careers

Instructors

Don Spano 651-423-8352 don.spano@dctc.edu BIO
Haworth, Robert   bob.haworth@dctc.edu BIO

Contact Information

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