Skip to the main contentPROGRAMS AND COURSES   CONTACT US   ABOUT GBC   SERVICES   NEWS   SITE MAP   GBC EMPLOYMENT

George Brown logo and link to home page

GEORGE BROWN FULL-TIME PROGRAMS GUIDE 2010-2011


Mechanical Engineering Technologies

Railway Conductor Program

Program Code: T151
Program Length: 4 months (1 semester)
Starting: September, January
Certification: George Brown College Certificate
Location: Casa Loma Campus
Apply to: ontariocolleges.ca


Admission Requirements and Fees

This document opens in a new window.
The Admission Requirements and fees document is in .pdf format and requires Adobe Acrobat Reader to view it.

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

Check the availability and status of this program: 2010/2011 Start Dates
2009/2010 Start Dates

Note: Due to ongoing program improvements courses are subject to change without notice.


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

 


Valid XHTML 1.0!



To register for an Information Session fill in the Registration Form

 


  Additional Information:
Admissions & Applications
Admission Requirements and Fees
Campus Locations and Maps
Campus Tours
College Advising
Disability Services
Education Centres
Financial Aid
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Registration
Housing
Program Info Sessions
Student Orientation
STU-VIEW - Student Information System
Policies

Link to top of page