by hattrick
I guess I will throw in my two pesos worth. You are better off trying to get hired off the street then spending money on NARS. In fact, I almost went to NARS but got hired by a shortline railroad instead. If you are having trouble getting on with a class 1 try getting on with a shortline railroad to get some experience first. I spent a year at a shortline and was then able to go class one....best part was i got paid to work instead of paying some college program. Also my education at the shortline was much better. In fact, after working at a shortline you will or should appreciate your class 1 job much more even when the BS is making your life hell.
Also everything you pay for at NARS the railroad will pay you to learn when you get hired.
When I was at a UP interview, the UP official who gave us the "scare talk" ( I mean job description) asked who had prior railroad experiece. I raised my hand along with another guy. The other guy was asked what kind of experience he had and he said NARS. The UP official then said, " well, I was looking for real experience, not pretend stuff." So depending on who it is, they may not think too highly of NARS.
The only reason I could see going to NARS is if you could not get picked up by any railroad whether it be shortline, excursion, class 1 or class 2. Some railroads say they require it but if you have experience you will be a cut above the NARS folks and they will look at you.
One last thing, try to find out who the HR person is that is doing the interviewing. You may want to call them once in a while and express an interest. If you get an interview, try to get a mailing address for the HR person and send a thank you card. Even if you dont get hired, they will remember you next time.
Also everything you pay for at NARS the railroad will pay you to learn when you get hired.
When I was at a UP interview, the UP official who gave us the "scare talk" ( I mean job description) asked who had prior railroad experiece. I raised my hand along with another guy. The other guy was asked what kind of experience he had and he said NARS. The UP official then said, " well, I was looking for real experience, not pretend stuff." So depending on who it is, they may not think too highly of NARS.
The only reason I could see going to NARS is if you could not get picked up by any railroad whether it be shortline, excursion, class 1 or class 2. Some railroads say they require it but if you have experience you will be a cut above the NARS folks and they will look at you.
One last thing, try to find out who the HR person is that is doing the interviewing. You may want to call them once in a while and express an interest. If you get an interview, try to get a mailing address for the HR person and send a thank you card. Even if you dont get hired, they will remember you next time.