People who work for railroad companies?

Question

I asked a similar question earlier but I need to put it in another catagory. Im taking a reading comp test today for a job with UP. I know I will pass cause reading is my strong suit. If I get hired, which one of these jobs should I shoot for in my training class?

An entry level train person may be immediately assigned to switch person, brake person, or conductor assignments. A train crew member may also be required to qualify as a Remote Control Operator (RCO) or Locomotive Engineer.

Answer 1

my dear mr. train man you will more than likely be starting as a brake man after you pass a extensive back ground check and a whole lot of testing and about 200 other people who applied for the job so get in line choo! choo!  all aboard!

Answer 2

For the UP you will first go to switchman/brakeman class for three weeks, you don't have a choice.  Then you will train in the field, with a yard crew for about four weeks.  Then you will go back to conductor class for two weeks, and then you will go and train with a thru freight crew for two or three weeks.  Then you will be a promoted conductor.  Your seniority probably won't allow you to hold the road yet, so you will want to go into RCO training as soon as possible, because you usually can't get on the yard extra board unless you are RCO qualified.  And as far as engine service goes, you have to be a conductor for at least a year before you can try to become an engineer.  (at least it's that way with UP) By the way, where are you hiring out, because in the southern region, things are really slow right now, I hired out over a year ago, and still haven't been able to work steadily with my seniority.  Hope things are better where you hire out, hope this helps, good luck.

Answer 3

best job is in a station or yard. you do not have to travel and you go home at night.

so see if you can get in the mechanical dept.