Overview
Train to be a railway conductor and launch your career in the growing railway operations industry.
In just 12 weeks you will learn the specific responsibilities of a conductor, including moving, marshalling and switching rail cars. This program involves a combination of online and on-campus learning opportunities with visits to nearby industrial sites, and hands-on training in a private mini rail yard, complete with tracks and rail cars.
Throughout the program, you will gain a solid understanding of the Canadian Railway Operating Rules (CROR) and related safety systems, specific responsibilities of a conductor, and operating procedures related to train marshalling and switching. You will also become well-versed in the mechanical components of rail cars, air brake systems and communication systems.
Due to increased demand for transportation for the distribution of commodities and manufactured products, the railway industry is experiencing significant growth that will increase employment opportunities in the years to come. The demand for job-ready graduates will also increase as the industry expects high retirement rates due to an aging demographic, creating opportunities for career advancement in various positions.
Is this the right fit for me?
Conductor graduates must have a strong orientation towards safety, as well as excellent verbal and written English, good planning, decision-making and communication skills to work in the rail industry. Railways operate 24-hours a day, 365 days a year.
The work of a conductor requires regular physical activity outdoors in all types of weather. Conductors need to be in good physical condition and able to lift heavy objects (up to 85 lbs.).
Applicants to the railway companies are expected to pass government-mandated medical examinations including testing for vision including colour, hearing acuity and drug screening. Applicants to railway jobs are also given security screening by the hiring railway. Persons with concerns should consult with the employment office(s) of the respective railway(s).
Personal security information may be obtained from the local police force for a fee. To gain employment in the rail industry as a conductor, the student is responsible for determining the minimum medical and physical standards required by individual rail companies. SAIT does not provide screening services for the purpose of meeting these standards.
Credential
After successfully completing this program, graduates will receive a SAIT certificate as a Railway Conductor.
Get more information about this and similar programs
Career opportunities
Graduates can pursue job opportunities in:
- Canada’s two national railways
- short-line or regional carriers
- industrial rail operations
Related careers:
- locomotive engineer
Tuition and fees
Domestic 2022/23
- Year 1: $11,233.50
International 2022/23
- Year 1: $18,558.47
Final costs are dependent on the number of course credits a student takes per semester.
Requirements
You will be offered admission to this program through direct entry if you meet the admission requirements and space is available.
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Admission requirements
Program requirements
At least 50% in the following courses or equivalents:
- Math 20-1 or Math 20-2 or Math 20-3 and,
- a Grade 12 English
All applicants must demonstrate English language proficiency prior to admission, including students educated in Canada.
SAIT accepts high school course equivalents for admission. If you don't meet the requirements, consider Academic Upgrading.
SAIT evaluates international documents for admissions. After you've applied, consider our international document assessment service if your education is from outside of Canada. SAIT may also accept courses completed at certain international post-secondary institutions.
When should you apply?
Visit our Apply page to see when applications open and close for upcoming semesters.
To see which semesters this program has intakes for, look at the Available Intakes information at the top of this page.
Direct entry: four-step process
Step 1: Read the program information to see the qualities needed for student success.
Step 2: Ensure that you meet all of the admission requirements listed above.
Step 3: Apply to the program and submit your transcripts.
Admission will be extended on a first-qualified, first-offered basis until the program is full.
Step 4: Continue to monitor your application status through mySAIT.ca.
You must submit final transcripts/grades to show you have completed the courses and met the minimum admission requirements by the transcript deadline or your seat will be rescinded.
This program is available to international students, however, program availability may be limited. This program does not meet the eligibility criteria for the Post-Graduation Work Permit program.
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.
When do classes start?
Classes for this program adhere to the following year start and end dates based on the semester the student begins their program.
| Classes begin | Year start date | Year-end date |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2022 | Sept. 26, 2022 | Dec. 16, 2022 |
| Winter 2023 | Jan. 9, 2023 | March 31, 2023 |
| Spring 2023 | May 8, 2023 | July 28, 2023 |
| Fall 2023 | Sept. 5, 2023 | Nov. 24, 2023 |
Courses
Program outline
Looking for course descriptions and requisites? Visit the course catalogue
| Course code | Course name | Credit |
|---|---|---|
| RSFE-201 | Railway Safety & Regulations | 3.0 |
| RSFE-202 | Railway Rules & Instructions | 3.0 |
| RLOP-209 | Railway Practical Applications | 3.0 |
| RLOP-210 | Railway Operations | 1.5 |
| RCDR-201 | Railway Industry Fundamentals | 3.0 |
| Program total | 13.5 | |
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 >
Transfer options
The opportunity to advance your education by transferring in, within or on from SAIT is available.
Learn more about program and institution partnership agreements.
Costs 2022/23
Domestic tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $768
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $10,368 | $458 | $407.50 | $11,233.50 |
International tuition and fees
Cost per credit: $1,310.59
| Year | Number of semesters | Tuition fees | SAIT fees | Saitsa fees* | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | $17,692.97 | $458 | $407.50 | $18,558.47 |
*Maximum fee. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits a student takes per semester and whether they opt-out of health and dental benefits.
SAIT fees
- Campus athletic and recreation fee: $98
- Universal transit pass (Upass): $160
- Student support fee: $100
- Student technology fee: $100
Saitsa fees
Student Association fee
- Maximum: $145.50
This is the maximum amount the student will pay. Actual fees may be less and are based on the number of credits the students take per semester.
Health and dental fees
- Health plan: $127
- Dental plan: $135
Students with existing health and/or dental plans can opt-out. Please refer to Saitsa's website for information.
Books and supplies*
Books and supplies are approximately $600.
For an estimate of the costs associated with purchasing a computer that meets the program's hardware and software requirements, see our computers and laptops page.
Learn more about tuition and financial aid.
*Tuition, fees, books and supply costs are subject to change.
Next steps for incoming students
Have you been accepted to this program? Here's what you'll need for your first day of classes.
Orientation
Program orientation for students beginning in Winter 2023 will take place on SAIT campus on Monday, Jan. 9. Look for ORNT 118 in your schedule in mySAIT for the time and exact location.*
You can also prepare by attending Big SAIT Welcome, online information sessions, international or Indigenous orientation, and completing the preparation courses below.
*If your orientation takes place on the first day of classes, you will not see a separate ORNT 118 in your schedule. Students registering in classes via open registration will need to enroll themselves in ORNT 118.
How to register for classes
Course registration opens on March 1 through March 15 for Spring 2023.
You’ll receive an email from us indicating what registration process you’ll use to enroll in your classes.
Learn more about how to register and the different registration methods used at SAIT.
Computers and laptops
This is a bring your own device program with a standard hardware and software requirement. See the specific requirements on our computers and laptops page.
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, and work gloves.
Preparation courses
To support your success, short courses are available to you to help prepare you for the academic year:
PERS 050: Student Rights and Responsibilities
This course is designed to introduce you to student rights and responsibilities at SAIT. You will learn about SAIT's rich and diverse community, become familiar with guidelines and procedures that create a safe, respectful learning experience for you, and gain practical tips for how you can engage in the SAIT community in a positive and responsible way. PRES-050 must be completed within 30 days from the start of the semester.
PREP 100: The SAIT Experience
Get tips and insider information on time management, exam preparation, effective notetaking and more through this free, online short course for new students. Plus, learn about discussion boards, online communication and submitting assignments online. Course completion is recommended by the end of your first semester.
Both courses can be accessed through Brightspace (D2L) before the first day of classes.
Students taking a full-time course load, or more than nine (9) credits per semester, will be automatically enrolled in these courses.
They are optional for students taking a part-time course load (9 or fewer credits per semester). Part-time students can register by emailing academic.coaching@sait.ca.
Required textbooks
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.
Contact
Phone: 403.210.4020
Email: transportation.info@sait.ca
Academic chair
Jason Purdy, Academic Chair
Email: jason.purdy@sait.ca
Next steps for all students
Here's what else you'll need to do to get ready!
Next steps for accepted students
Important dates and deadlines
Find important dates applicable to all students, including your transcript and tuition payment deadlines on our Important Dates page.
