Railroads employ about 78 percent of all rail transportation workers. The rest work for state and local governments and mining and manufacturing establishments that operate their own railroad cars to carry freight. Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement Most railroad transportation workers begin as trainees for either engineer or brake operator jobs. Railroads prefer that applicants have a high school education. Applicants must have good hearing, eyesight, and color vision, as well as good hand-eye coordination, manual dexterity, and mechanical aptitude.
Physical stamina is required for brake operator jobs.
Most employers require that applicants for railroad transportation jobs pass a physical examination and tests that screen for drug use. Railroads prefer that applicants for locomotive engineer jobs be at least 21 years old. Engineer jobs are frequently filled by workers with experience in other railroad operating occupations, such as brake operators or conductors. At the end of the training period, aspiring engineers must pass qualifying tests covering locomotive equipment, airbrake systems, fuel economy, train handling techniques, and operating rules and regulations. On most railroads, brake operators begin by making several trips with conductors and experienced operators to become familiar with the job.