What qualifications do i need to be a carman?

Question

And what kind of skills would i need to be one? How are promotions in this field? are there opertunities to move up to a managment or supervisor postion? I haven't been to college but i am tig weld certified. and also possess some other metal working skills, ie heat treating, shrinking, stretching. stuff like that. also I have a little bit of 5S, Lean, and Six Sigma training. Working on getting a Six Sigma Green belt, and Mig certified

Answer 1

you have to be willing to work in a union environement on any shift in all types of weather.  you have to be able to stomach the constant bull sh*t that you will encounter, realizing that most is just that and that it is up to you to sort out the truth.  you must be able to LEARN THE CORRECT WAY to perform car inspection, diagnosis, repair and maintenance.  you need to do this BEFORE you develop your own efficient ways of getting the finished product out there on a train.  

do not learn the shortcuts that are offered to you by others first.  do it right first,  you have a huge responsibility to many other people to do the best that you can regardless of the pressure to just 'get it out of town'.  

Put yourself in the shoes of the guys/gals that are running these monsters out on the mainline.  do your work with their safety in mind and you will be ok

as far as the business management end of things:  if you have 5s and lean and a manager that will listen,  it WILL help you.  and by the way;  get that degree preferrably before you get into the job

Answer 2

you should qualify just as you are

Answer 3

you probably would do better in the m/w dept as a welder,

Answer 4

whats a carman

Answer 5

Looks like you have some of the skills they like to see on a resume'.

Go online and apply for the job. They will teach you what they want you to know.

Answer 6

Check the web site of the railway you want to apply for.  They will have the requirements pertaining to each job posted. Remember.........Working with power and equipment demands your awareness at all times. Expect movement without notice. Steel wheels are absolutely unforgiving should you make a mistake.