Admission
Requirements and Fees
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Student success in college requires well developed learning skills and attitudes (such as being able to work independently,
participate in a team, be well-organised, develop good work habits, and show initiative). These skills are as important as prior academic
achievement. Applicants should have thoroughly developed these skills and attitudes before beginning their college programs.
List of courses
OUR PROGRAM
The role of the railway conductor is an important link between ensuring customer satisfaction and achieving efficient operations in the
railway industry. Railway conductors are involved with switching train cars, making or splitting up trains in yards, or moving train cars
between yards, sidings or tracks. The Railway Conductor program at George Brown College prepares graduates for employment in road or yard
service train crews in Class 1 railways in North America as well as in shortline, regional carriers and industrial switching operations.
The Railway Conductor program is designed and approved by the Institute of Railway Technology of the Railway Association of Canada (RAC).
It incorporates the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR). Every railway employee involved in train operations is required by law to be qualified
and certified in CROR, a compilation of RAC-developed and government-approved rules that govern and guide employees in the performance of
their duties. All railways in Canada must comply with CROR.
Typical responsibilities of a conductor:
- Carry out specific instructions detailing a train’s schedule and specific movements.
- Handle the switching of cars, including coupling (connecting) and uncoupling (disconnecting) cars.
- Observe, interpret and relay signals and other indications affecting train movement.
- Communicate with crew members using specific hand signals or radio to indicate direction of movement, stop and set or release air brakes.
- Provide protection by placing warning flares and flags appropriately and communicate with other trains in an emergency situation.
- Get on and off, and ride moving equipment to effect the switching of rail equipment in yard operations or at customer sidings.
- Prepare and complete forms and documents relevant to train orders and switching lists.
FEES
Tuition, including Student Association and lab fees, is approximately $5,500. The cost of books and supplies, including personal protection
clothing, is approximately $600. In addition, there is an intensive, week-long railway experience, the cost of which is estimated to be $3,000.
YOUR CAREER
The railway industry is facing retirement rates as high as 70 per cent over the next ten years which will result in a high demand for graduates.
Graduates are rewarded with good salaries and opportunities for advancement to positions of greater responsibility.
Railway conductors are paid based on the number of miles they accrue during the course of their work. Average annual starting salaries are
$40,000, which can quickly grow to $80,000. Railway conductors are often promoted within a railway organization to locomotive engineer, as
well as management positions.
Railways operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Railway conductors work out of specific pools with irregular hours, weekends
and holidays depending upon workload position within the pool. This job requires excellent physical health and conditioning. Constant vigilance
and situational awareness are key factors in performing safely and efficiently.
COURSES
RAIL1004 Performing Inspections
RAIL1016 Switching and Marshalling
RAIL1013 Rules and Regulations
RAIL1017 Authorities and Record Keeping
RAIL1018 Transportation of
Dangerous Goods
RAIL1014 Creating a Safety
Culture
RAIL1105 Practicum
For more information,
Call the George Brown School of Mechanical Engineering Technologies
at 416-415-5000, ext. 4287.
E-mail:
For updated information and course descriptions, call 416-415-2000 (TTY 1-877-515-5559) or long distance 1-800-265-2002.
George Brown College is continually striving to improve its programs and their delivery. The information contained in
this calendar is subject to change without notice. It should not be viewed as a representation, offer or warranty. Students are responsible for verifying
George Brown College admission, graduation, and fee requirements as well as any requirements of outside institutions, industry associations, or other
bodies that may award additional designations concurrently with, or after completions of, a George Brown College program.
Return to: School of Mechanical Engineering Technologies
Return to: Full-time
Programs page
Revised:
August 28, 2009
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PROGRAMS AND COURSES 
