Railway Conductor
Overview
Are you a hands-on learner? Would you like a rewarding and well-paying career in the growing railway industry?
Do you want to explore a rewarding and well-paid career in the growing railway industry? Lambton College has partnered with the Railway Association of Canada to offer the Railway Conductor program. This unique program is taught by industry experts and combines classroom learning with hands-on experience in local rail yards.
While studying in this 12-week program, students are introduced to a number of industry sites and have the opportunity to meet with recruiters from Class 1 and short-line employers. Graduates of the Railway Conductor program are in-demand and the experience gained in the program gives graduates an advantage in employers' new hire training programs.
Students enrolled in this program will learn to utilize professional railway communications and gain a deeper understanding of industry rules and regulations; they will also learn fundamental concepts in safety, switching, marshaling, and crewing. Graduation from conductor training is also the base-level training required for higher-level roles such as locomotive engineer, rail maintenance, and railway management and administration.
Program Schedule
The Railway Conductor program is scheduled Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. (excluding statutory holidays) and runs for 12 consecutive weeks. Since this program is only 12 weeks long, student will not have a reading week or breaks.
Admission Requirements
O.S.S.D. or equivalent with:
- Grade 12 English C or U
Registration
This program does not accept applications through ontariocolleges.ca and it is not eligible for OSAP funding.
To register for this program, complete the following forms and email rail@lambtoncollege.ca:
Off-Site Training
Field placement and field trip experiences involve third-party locations for which you will be required to sign a waiver and assumption of risk to participate. These waivers will often contain clauses wherein you will completely indemnify the third-party provider and facility of any and all liability and claims. To be successful in the program, the field placement and field trip experiences are required, and there are no alternate structures available.
Costs
- Year 1 $10,975.00
Please Note: These fees apply to the 2023-2024 academic year and are subject to change. Fees do not include books (unless specifically noted), supplies or living costs.
Additional Fees
Students are required to have the following items in order to participate in the practical experiences of the program:
- Clothing
- Practical experiences will take place outside no matter the weather conditions. Students should come wearing appropriate attire and be prepared for the various weather conditions.
- Safety Boots
- Each student is required to supply their own safety boots. Safety boots must be CSA approved steel toe, leather, lace-up, 6" tall and 0.5" - 1" health at a right angle to the sole. These are mandatory during all practical experiences.
- Safety Glasses
- If you require prescription glasses, you will also need to supply your own safety glasses. Otherwise, safety glasses will be provided for you. These are mandatory during all practical experiences.
Technology Requirements
In order to keep pace with the requirements of each and every course in your program, Lambton College requires that each student have access to a laptop while studying at our college.
Courses
Conductor Communications
This course teaches the student the communication skills necessary in the railway industry as well as the terminology unique to the railway Conductor and colleagues. Students will garner an appreciation for professionalism and reliability with an emphasis on customer service skills.
Rules & Regulations
This course familiarizes the student with the roles and responsibilities of a Conductor and studies the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) which govern the federally regulated railways in Canada. Students will gain knowledge surrounding inspection of equipment and compliance to the rules and regulations that shape and guide the industry.
Creating a Safety Culture
The Railway Conductor career includes long hours, strenuous work and various shifts, all of which can lead to fatigue and mental errors. This course emphasizes the importance of safety and ingrains in the student the daily activities necessary to ensure a safe and injury free work environment.
Switching, Marshaling & Crewing
Students will learn the different pieces of major equipment that a Conductor will work with on a daily basis. Arranging rail cars in their proper order and moving them about according to a pick up and set off plan is an integral responsibility that has important financial impact. Students will gain a full understanding and appreciation for switching and marshalling which is one of their main roles once they are in the field.
Authorities & Record Keeping
This course will teach students who the authorities are that regulate the railway industry as well as describe the organizational structure and culture of railway entities. Paperwork and record-keeping is a critical component of the Conductor's role and the proper management of such is covered in this course.
Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Trains are an important means of transporting dangerous goods in Canada. Students will earn their TDG certificate in the course by identifying placards and demonstrating thorough knowledge of the rules and regulations surrounding the transportation of dangerous goods by rail.
Practicum
Students will attend actual rail yards to observe the daily activities of the railway conductor and will apply what they have learned with an emphasis on safety and proper practice. Developing safety routines and practicing common Conductor tasks will prepare them to move into any rail yard with sufficient valuable experience.
After Graduation
Employment Opportunities
Graduates can expect to find employment on Class 1 railways, short-lines, regional carriers, and in industrial settings.
Employment-Specific Criteria
Employment in the railway industry requires a clean record, applicants with a criminal record will not likely obtain employment in the industry even if they are successful in passing the program. Applicants are required to complete a medical as a condition of employment. See the Canadian Railway Medical Rules Handbook (PDF).
More Information
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Student can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for you courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.
Skill Demands
This program demands a high level of physical fitness. Good general health is required including the ability to lift and manipulate heavy weight. Some students with disabilities may require academic accommodations to equalize opportunities to meet the academic demands of a course or program.
Technology Requirements
It is recommended that students purchase a laptop with a Windows operating system.
Internet Speed Requirements
For best performance for students learning remotely, an internet connection with a minimum of 40 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload speed is recommended in order to effectively use video conferencing and remote lecture delivery software as well as, other online resources remotely. Due to the large area over which students may be dispersed, we are unable to recommend a specific provider, so you will need to inquire around your area to find one that best suits your needs.
Minimum Laptop Requirements
In order to access the internet and virtually-delivered software and courseware, student laptops should include the following at a minimum. By meeting the following specifications, students will be equipped to access software and courseware on their laptop through the internet:
- Intel i5 8th Gen Processor or equivalent
- 16 GB of RAM (with a minimum of 8 GB)
- 100 GB HDD or more
- HD Graphics
- Webcam with a microphone
- Wireless 802.11n/ac 5ghz capable
- Windows Operating System (Windows 11)
Software
To ensure students are getting the most our of their classroom experience, some software will be required.
Lambton College has made this software easily accessible online. Students can leverage our Microsoft Office 365 software packages and services. In addition, much of the software you require for your courses will be available on demand for use on any device - on or off campus.