Railway Conductor

Credential:: certificate
Program length:: 12 weeks
Location:: In person (Point Trotter Campus)
International applicants:: Accepted Not PGWP eligible
Faculty:: School of Transportation
CAJG Eligible

Credit credentials

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The credit credentials include a bachelor's degree, applied degree, diploma, certificate and post-diploma certificate.

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Certificates of achievement typically develop broader, complex skill sets. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began these programs before July 1, 2022, you still have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Certificate of Completion

Certificates of completion recognize the completion of a program that includes a formal evaluation of performance and a minimum of 30 to a maximum of 143 course hours.

These certificates are shorter in duration than certificates of achievement and offer a focused education program. As of July 1, 2022, you have up to three years to complete the certificate. If you began before July 1, 2022, you will have five calendar years to complete the program from when you began the first course.

Professional Certificate

Program certificates recognize completion of a program that includes the formal evaluation of performance, and that is a minimum of one year in length.

These certificates have program-specific admission requirements.

Micro-credential

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Micro-credentials focus on the mastery of specific skills. You receive a digital, shareable badge upon completing a SAIT micro-credential (SAITMicro).

Overview

Designed to equip you with the specialized skills to manage railway vehicles, our 12-week program Railway Conductor is your ticket to the rapidly expanding railway operations sector.

As a student, you will:

learn the critical roles of a train conductor, including the safe and efficient movement of rail cars
learn how to assemble trains in the correct order, ensuring the cargo is organized according to its destination and the operational requirements of the railway
gain the skills to safely change the path of a railcar from one track to another, a process essential for organizing and directing rail traffic
learn how to apply your skills in a real-world setting with our private mini rail yard, featuring actual tracks and rail cars
master the Canadian Railway Operating Rules (CROR) and related safety systems to ensure compliance and secure operations
learn about the mechanical aspects of rail cars, including air brake systems and communication systems
learn effective communication skills.

This course includes on-campus classes, labs, and field trips to nearby industrial sites. Get training from industry professionals with extensive field experience and a passion for training the next generation.

With the increasing need for rail transport of goods, the railway industry is on an upward trajectory, promising a stable and growing field for employment.

Position yourself in a market that values job-ready individuals, especially as current workforce demographics signal high retirement rates and the need for new talent.

The program paves the way for career growth, with prospects to move into various roles within the railway sector, such as engineer, dispatch, trainer and management.

If you’re ready to play a crucial role in the movement of goods across the country and beyond, whether for Canadian National Railway, Canadian Pacific or another, our Railway Conductor program is the ideal start. Enroll today and get on track for a career that moves you forward.

As a railway conductor, you need:

strong safety awareness
effective communication skills, including proficiency in verbal and written English
solid planning and decision-making abilities
physical fitness and ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions
capability to lift heavy objects (up to 85 lbs)
responsibility to understand and meet medical and physical standards set by rail companies.

You will require flexibility to work at any time of day as railways operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

To gain employment, you may need to pass medical exams, including vision, hearing and drug tests, and pass a security screening.

The opportunity to advance your education by transferring into this program or gain credit for previous post-secondary courses may be available.

There may also be opportunities to further your education once you graduate.

Learn more about program and institution transfer options.

After successfully completing this program, you’ll receive a SAIT Railway Conductor certificate.

Download program info

Careers and opportunities

Our graduates may work in the following occupations. Some careers require additional experience and education.

Associated National Occupational Classification (NOC) codes: 14400, 14405, 70020, 72023, 72024, 72403, 72604, 73310, 73311, 74200.

Career counselling and support

Unsure which career path is for you? SAIT offers career planning services to help you decide your future.

You can also get started by taking our online career finder quiz, which can help you narrow down your search based on your current skills and interests.

Finally, you can also head to Alberta alis for various tools and resources, including additional quizzes and labour market information to help you narrow down a career path.

Services and workshops

Courses

The Railway Conductor certificate requires 13.5 credits (five courses) to complete.

The program spans 12 weeks.

Course	Credits
This introductory overview provides general information about the rail industry and the conductor’s role and responsibilities. Course topics explore railway business, conductor’s duties, the importance of leadership, communication and teamwork, the impact of environmental regulations and technology on operations, and finally, how to prepare for a career as a railway conductor.	3
This course supplements the theory learned and further focuses on the specifics of working in the railway industry, including the use of specialized equipment and the fundamentals of marshalling. Material will cover inspections, switches and derail devices, movement of rail equipment, handbrakes and air brakes, the train information braking system (TIBS), fundamental skills for a conductor and general worksite maintenance procedures.	3
This course focuses on the fundamentals of railway operations such as methods of traffic control and tracks within territories, railway signals, and the types of forms and documents used in Canadian rail operations.	1.5
This course introduces the fundamental knowledge, skills and attitudes required for conductors to ensure workplace health and safety. You will examine safety regulations including the transportation of dangerous goods, identify hazard and mitigation procedures, and discuss the importance of proper communication protocols and protection procedures.	3
This course provides a deeper look at rules and regulations essential to the railway industry. You will examine the Canadian Rail Operating Rules, signals and emergencies, the role of authorities as well as procedures for General Bulletin Order compliance. Regulations for interlocking and centralized traffic control, as well as automatic black signaling and occupancy control systems will also be covered.	3

Progression

Students must attain a PGPA and/or a CGPA of 2.0 or better in each semester and pass the necessary prerequisite courses to progress through the program. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses, attain a CGPA of 2.0 or better and complete course requirements within the prescribed timelines.

Review our grading and progression procedure >

Admission requirements

Applicants educated in Canada

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency and meet the following requirements or equivalents.

At least 50% in Math 20-1 or 20-2 or 20-3 and
At least 50% in a Grade 12 English.

SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission for applicants educated outside Alberta.

All applicants who were educated outside of Canada must demonstrate English Language proficiency and provide proof they meet the program admission requirements with an international document assessment. Find out what educational documents are accepted and assessment options.

SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.

Academic Upgrading

Missing an admission requirement for this program? Upgrade your prior education to help you receive admission into one of SAIT's career programs.

Upgrade

English language proficiency

All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.

Learn more

Available intakes

Spring 2024

Start dates:

May 06, 2024

Domestic students: Cancelled: Application deadline: Feb. 23, 2024
International students: Cancelled: Application deadline: Jan. 22, 2024

Fall 2024

Start dates:

Sep 03, 2024

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: June 28, 2024
International students: Closed: Application deadline: May 29, 2024

Winter 2025

Start dates:

Jan 06, 2025

Domestic students: Open: Application deadline: Oct. 25, 2024
International students: Open: Application deadline: Sept. 30, 2024

Costs

2024/25 tuition and fees

The following estimated costs are effective as of July 1, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1	$10,935	$979	$11,914
Total cost:				$11,914

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1	$18,400.50	$979	$19,379.50
Total cost:				$19,379.50

Books and supplies are approximately $600.

This is a bring-your-own-device program with a standard computer hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.

Find your booklist on the SAIT Bookstore's website. The booklist will be available closer to the program start date. Can’t find your program or course? The bookstore didn't receive a textbook list. Contact your program directly to determine if they’re still refining course details or if you're in luck; no textbook purchase is required this term.

Required personal protective equipment (PPE)

The industry-approved PPE you'll need will be discussed during your first few days of classes, including:

CSA-approved hard hat
safety-toed footwear
reflective vest
safety glasses
work gloves.

2023/24 tuition and fees

The following costs are effective until June 30, 2024.

Domestic students

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for domestic students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1	$10,935	$950	$11,885
Total cost:				$11,885

The estimated total cost of tuition and fees for international students is based on the recommended course load per year.
Year	Number of semesters	Tuition fees	Additional fees	Total per year
1	1	$18,400.64	$950	$19,350.64
Total cost:				$19,350.64

Financial aid

Paying for your education may feel overwhelming, but we have resources and programs that can help, including information about payment options, student loans, grants and scholarships.

Learn more

This program is eligible for Canada Alberta Job Grant funding.

Fees

Your fees are calculated based on the number of course credits you take per semester (approximately 16 weeks of study). In most cases, your fee is determined based on whether you're taking more or less than nine (9) course credits (more than nine credits in a semester are considered full-time studies.)

Fees are adjusted for programs with start dates outside the typical 15-week program.

2024/25 fees per semester

Fees are subject to change without notice.

A breakdown of mandatory fees based on whether you are taking less than or more than nine credits per semester
SAIT fees	Less than 9 credits/semester	9 or more credits/semester
Campus athletic and recreation fee: supports the provision of recreation and fitness facilities, movement classes, wellness programs, events, intermural activities, varsity sports programs, and a variety of initiatives offered throughout the academic year. Exemptions to recreation fees are made in some circumstances.	$51.50	$103
Student support fee: supports services and resources to help you succeed throughout your academic career, including Career Advancement Services and Student Development and Counselling.	$53.75	$107.50
Student technology fee: supports improvements to cybersecurity to protect student and institutional information, access to learning material outside the classroom, and technology to enhance your experience.	$53.75	$107.50
UPass: provides you with unlimited access to Calgary Transit. Additional eligibility requirements apply to obtain a UPass.	n/a	$165
Saitsa fees
Saitsa fee: supports the student-led, non-profit organization representing students. Fees support the operation of various student services, activities, and programming. Saitsa fees are paid per credit to a maximum amount of $146 per semester.	$16.23/credit	$146 maximum
Health and dental plan: provides access to thousands of dollars in coverage for prescription medication, dental treatments, paramedical services, and multiple other benefits. Health and dental fees are charged per semester to an annual maximum amount of $172 for health and $158 for dental. Find more details at saitsa.com/benefits. In most cases, your fees are quoted based on paying for a full year of health and dental coverage. International students are charged these fees regardless of course load. Domestic students with existing health and dental coverage may opt-out.	n/a	$91 for health $84 for dental

Application process

Ready to apply?

Follow our step-by-step guide to submitting a successful application.

Learn how to apply

Communication during admission

Email is the primary source of communication during the selection process. Ensure your personal email account is managed appropriately to receive our emails, files and communications. We recommend you add the transportation.info@sait.ca domain to your safe senders list or you risk missing critical email messages.

Begin your application

Apply now using the online application portal.

Ensure you have a valid Visa or Mastercard to pay the non-refundable application fee of $120 for domestic applicants or $150 for international applicants.

Apply now

Information sessions

Prepare for a strong start in your chosen program or get the details you need to decide your future path.

Our expert staff and faculty are ready to answer your questions and provide information about the following:

What sets SAIT apart
An introduction to the program and area of study
Admission requirements
Future career paths
Information on the earning potential and graduate employment rates.

Railway Conductor

On this page:

Overview