Railroad school?

Question

I am looking to get into the railroad for a career change. I have been told u don't need any experience for the rr. I was wondering if that NARS school is worth it? Also does anyone know how much is costs and how long you go for? Thanks very much. Michael

Answer 1

I am also planning to attend the NARS School myself.  I've always wanted to go to it, but I can't afford the cost of it.  Now, I've got a descent paying job that maybe will finally allow me to try it.

That descent paying job is driving the taxi vans for BNSF crews.  It's not real great pay, but a lot of hours makes up.  I've been talking with those crews and most of them agree that, while you can get in without the school, you are all but guaranteed if you attend the school.  Also, they have told me that even though you graduate the school with a conductor rating, expect to be hired as a brakeman or switchman.  I'm just going by what I've been told, so I don't know how true that is.

I would agree with the answer above that the RR is a rather hard life, especially if your a family person, but from what I've seen, the pay is pretty much worth it.  I think you also really need a love of trains and the RR before you decide to go for this career.  Many of the crewmen I haul seem almost like they hate the trains, and I suspect this is because they got into the career for the money and never really loved the trains in the first place.

Answer 2

Hey Michael,

I too am planning on going through the NARS Program to increase my chances of getting hired by BNSF. The NARS program is hosted by Johnson County Community College in Overland Park, KS. The school costs 5000 to 6000 dollars for the 6-week course.  One downside to this is the college has no on-site living for the students, You either have to live with someone you know that lives in the Greater Kansas City Area. Overland Park is a 30 minute drive from Kansas City. Or you can stay in one of the hotels that gives JCCC students a special discount. Also I read on the NARS website that they are fixing to start an online NARS program for Locomotive Engineer, Conductor, and Signal Maintainer positions. I believe that NARS is worth it because you are pretty much guaranteed a job after completeing it.

Hope this helps,

Nathan

Answer 3

their are slim choices for "railroad schools"

2 choices:  NARS or Modoc Railroad Academy

I hope you have put in an application with the major railroads before you consider having to Pay to get a job.  UP, CSXT, BNSF Railway, CN, and Amtrak.

my best remarks about getting a job is goodluck.  you're going to need it.  :)

Answer 4

I have attended the NARS class.  Granted I was not hired by the BNSF, but was hired by another railroad.  The BNSF before they hire any conductors from the outside, they will hire the ones they want from NARS.  The first gentlemen is correct in saying the down side is not having a dorm for the students.  I believe it is called the Candlewood Suites.  I would sugest them.  They have a Kitchenet so you dont have to spend a lot on eating out.  Most of the students stay there.  You meet a lot of great people there that share the same interest in the railroad as you.  

As far as the second persons answer here.  You may have been hired by a Class 1 railroad, you may not have went to the school, but still it is better to go to the school, and get some taste of the railroad.  The Nars conductor class is specifically for being a railroad conductor.  Just because there were some other folks in your orientation does not mean they will be doing the same job as you.  There are many different jobs on the railroad.

Answer 5

i retired from csx railroad 13 months ago. all the new men that were hired on where i worked went to the school. and if you were selected to go to school you had a real good chance of getting the job. the school lasts about 5 weeks and it costs about 5 thousand. and then its on the job training for several months. you will have to go to engineer school when your turn comes. then if you are needed to work as engineer you will, but if not you will work as conductor. rough life, lots of hours and little rest. i don't recommend it. on call constantly.

Answer 6

NARS is a ripoff.  All Class I railroads hire regular guys right off the street.  Railroads may consider you more if you've went through NARS, but if you have a good background and work history you can get on with the railroad.



I was hired 9 months ago by a Class I.  My previous job was in agriculture.  The other guys in my class were 1. car radio installer, 2. cook, 3. construction worker, 4, cab driver, and 5. YMCA lifeguard.  None had NARS schooling.  All good guys with good backgrounds.

Why pay a school when the railroads will pay you to train?  

All of us are now marked up conductor working full-time.