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Train Crew Operating Occupations
What they do?
Railway locomotive engineers transport passengers/freight on railways. They operate communication systems to communicate with train crews/railway traffic controllers to ensure that trains operate safely and meet their schedules.
Yard locomotive engineers switch, couple, and uncouple cars for loading/unloading goods within the yards of railway, industrial, and other organizations.
Railway conductors co-ordinate and supervise the activities of passenger/freight crew members, except for railway locomotive engineers, to ensure that trains operate according to schedules, orders, and operating rules. They also collect fares, announce train stops, and answer passengers' questions.
Railway brakemen/women check train brakes and other systems/equipment prior to train runs and assist railway conductors in activities en route.
What education do I need?
1. In general, you usually need a high school diploma.
2. Except for yard locomotive engineers, you need specific levels of the Certificate of the Canadian Rail Operating Rules.
3. To be a railway locomotive engineer, you must have experience as a railway conductor.
4. To be a yard locomotive engineer, you may need experience as a railway conductor or railway yard worker.
5. To be a railway conductor, you must have experience as a railway brakeman or brakewoman.
6. To be a railway brakeman or brakewoman, you usually need experience as a railway worker.
High School Subject that will help:
1. Math
2. Computer Basics - Word and Excel
3. English
4. Mechanics
What can you expect to make:
The average hourly wages for Train Crew Operating Occupations is $23.76/HR, which is above average for occupations in the trades, transport and equipment operators sector and above average for all technical, professional, and skilled occupations. These wages grew at a below-average rate from 2002 to 2004.
Average Wage
Expected Wage by Age
Unemployment:
1% of Train Crew Operating Occupations are unemployed. This rate is below the average for technical, professional, and skilled occupations.
Unemployment
Trends in Unemployment
Current Job Outlook:
The job outlook for Train Crew Operating Occupations is considered Below Average because:
1. Employment grew at an above-average rate.
2. Hourly wages ($23.76) are close to the average ($18.07), and the rate of wage growth is below average.
3. The unemployment rate (1%) is below the 2004 average (7%).
Future Job Prospects:
Your job outlook will continue to be Below Average because:
1. The employment growth rate will likely be below average.
2. The number of job openings will likely exceed the number of job seekers. This will not be significant enough to have an impact on the work prospects.
Highest Concetration:
The highest concentrations (per 10,000 people) of are found in Alberta and Prince Edward Island while the lowest concentrations are in New Brunswick and Newfoundland.
Unionization Rate:
The unionization rate (93%) is above the average (32%) for all occupations.
Useful Experience:
1. Communication systems
2. Communication skills
3. Safety awareness
Part Time Workers
Part time workers:
3% of Train Crew Operating Occupations are employed only on a part-time basis. There were 12,400 workers employed in these occupations in 2004, an increase of 5% since 1997.
Age Demographics
Age Demographics:
The relatively low percentage of younger workers suggests few entry-level job openings, and could point to a greater need for workers with experience or a number of years of training. The retirement rate to 2009 will likely be average reflecting the age/retirement structure of the occupation.
