I have been doing some research on the railroad industry. I am fresh out of college with a degree in education. I don't know if I want to pursue anything in teaching so I am exploring my options. A conductor trainee position caught my eye and I want look into it more. I have one big question that needs to be answered before I apply for the position. After you complete and pass the training, do you automatically get a job as a conductor. do you work the yard for a couple of years, or do you just have to wait until there is a conductor job open?
once you complete your training and you mark up, you are a conductor. however, as everybody on here will say, depending on where you're working at, you could be furloughed as soon as you mark up. but some are lucky and are never furloughed. also, the first few years of your career you can more than likely expect to be furloughed or have to chase work at other terminals until you gain senority. but again, it depends on where your hired out of. as for whether you work the yard or the road, that im not sure. again, i think it depends on where you hire and what that locations needs are. perhaps someone else can shed light on this.
i recommend taking time to read alot of the posts on here. i myself have a teaching degree and considered the railroad. actually i had an offer and my date to go to redi for csx. however, i had a change of heart and backed out just before i was to go to redi. the risk of furlough was to great a chance to take. i wish that i would've found this forum before i applied though. reading these posts was very informative, especially when your out in left field with regards to this field. good luck.