How do you become a train engineer/driver?

Question

I live in the Maryland/District of Columbia area.

I want to drive for wmata.

Answer 1

Typically, you must become a conductor first. There's a school for that. Once, you're hired as a conductor find out if there's opening for engineers and apply.

Answer 2

Most railroads hire trainmen to become conductors, and brakemen where there are still needs for brakemen. The railroad trains everyone in two or three week classes for this at the start of employment. I hired on with the BN in 1990 (now BNSF). I was a conductor then. Nearly all the major railroads insist all their trainmen become engineers after about two to three years. They want everyone in train service to be able to do any job. Don't run out of people that way when it's busy. That requires classes and on-the-job-training. I left the BN to work for a small short line railroad. Only 6 trainmen. One day I asked to be an engineer. Operated with a certified engineer as a teacher for 30 days. Took the Federal test, and that was it, I was an engineer. It's great. I wish I didn't wait so long to pursue that now. So when you find out where to pick up an application, or talk to someone, mention in person or write down you do want to be an engineer. Most railroads want to hear that. Good luck. Oh, and in the beginning, I located BN employees and introduced myself. I got their names and asked if I could use them as a reference on the application. Most said yes. That made my application stand out.

Answer 3

apply for the job and get hired

then there is a trainign program usually 18 months

both class room and on the job.

Answer 4

http://www.wmata.com/jobs/employment_opp...

Talk to them.