Union Pacific Train Crew Job???

Question

Hope someone can help I wanted to know if you have to have a high school diploma or GED to get hired on at UP for train crew I searched their web site and called their toll-free # but did not find anything saying you did, I am 19 and have a clean record and I would be willing to relocate if it is possible to get hired on without one.

Answer 1

It's not required but i think they give preference to potential employees for having one.It would be worth your while to go get a GED before you apply.When they interview you they do give a reading and simple math test.

Answer 2

I would suggest that you have another CLOSE look at their website.  In particular in the job descriptions of each job you are interested in.  

All of the jobs that Union Pacific offer, including the one for "Train Service" require that you have either the High School Diploma or the GED.

I am currently applying for a job in the bay area with them, and I know for a fact that the job description required that as the minimum.

My advice to you is to get that part of your life taken care of.  The High School Diploma or the GED in hand is going to open doors for you that you never thought were possible.  

I do definately sympathize though.  High School was not my best of years either, and really did not enjoy being forced to go to school.  What I can tell you is that College is a totally different environment than High School.  

Keep this in mind.  I am giving you this information as a Job Recruiter, and Employment Interviewer for a Security Company.  You are going to be competing against people who have A/S Degrees, B/A Degrees in fields of Mechanics, Engineering, in my case, (Automotive Technology), and those other folks who have their High School Diplomas/GED's and have completed Trade Schools like Seqouia, Wyo-Tech, UTI, and other such schools.  Unless you have serious work expereince to compensate you may not be selected based on this.

Please do not take this as a discouragement.  Far from it.  If you are only 19, you have an opportunity to make a change right now, and place yourself into a position where you can successfully compete with these other folks.  Take it from someone who has already been there and got the T-Shirt.  I waited for 2 years before going and getting my A/S Degree.  Getting the degree was the best thing I ever did.  The good thing is, when you are done, you have more educational expereince you can place on the table next to your competitor.

Lastly, the interviewing process for Union Pacific Railroad starts with your application.  If you don't have the minimum qualifications, they will disqualify you with no further notice.  

Dress for success.  If you go into that interview, (or any of them for that matter), looking less than presentable, that can terminate your interview before you even get to say one word about yourself.  Haircut, clean shave, showered and dressed nicely.  Personally, I prefer my interviewees, not be in the suit and tie routine.  Anyone can do that.  But the Polo Shirt, Docker Pants, polished black shoes, with a black belt tells me more about the person than you could ever know.  Its casual business, and its just comfortable enough for folks to let themselves show their true person.  If you are in a suit and tie, you are telling me, (in my opinion), what you think I want to hear.  

Good Luck in your new adventure.

Answer 3

Along with the HS Diploma and such, a bunch of the railroads also look at experience in a similar craft such as shift work and night work, The best job I know of to get that experience is working in a factory or warehouse. reason being is they want you to have experience with the kind of schedule you will have on the railroad. Also if you have some money set aside you might look into the National Academy of Railroad Sciences in KS. It costs 6000 dollars if you live outside of Kansas, but it is worth every penny. No it wont guarantee you a job, but it will help out in the longrun.

Hope this Helps

Answer 4

It is pretty much required in the railroad industry to have atleast a High School Diploma or GED. I have an associate degree (non-related) and it took me 2 years of recruiting sessions and general interviews to get my current job.