Conductors coordinate activities of train crew on passenger or freight train. Coordinate activities of switch-engine crew within yard of railroad, industrial plant, or similar location. Yardmasters coordinate activities of workers engaged in railroad traffic operations, such as the makeup or breakup of trains, yard switching, and review train schedules and switching orders.
Experience: Some previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience may be helpful in these occupations, but usually is not needed. For example, a drywall installer might benefit from experience installing drywall, but an inexperienced person could still learn to be an installer with little difficulty.
Education: These occupations usually require a high school diploma and may require some vocational training or job-related course work. In some cases, an associate's or bachelor's degree could be needed.
Training: Employees in these occupations need anywhere from a few months to one year of working with experienced employees.
Opportunities are expected to be good for qualified applicants, mainly because of the large number of workers expected to retire or leave these occupations in the next decade.
Employment is expected to decline due to productivity increases.
Most workers begin as yard laborers and later may have the opportunity to train for engineer or conductor jobs.
Eight out of 10 workers are members of unions, and earnings are relatively high.
