JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — CSX Transportation’s conductor trainees will spend an additional week learning the ropes before beginning on-the-job training under an agreement announced today by the railroad and the SMART-TD union.
The fifth week of training at the CSX Training Center in Atlanta will focus on performing tasks in a field setting to increase trainees’ exposure to railcar switching scenarios, radio communication, securement of equipment, brake tests and other fundamentals.
Hands-on application of these skills begins in the third week of training, and the additional week will reinforce trainees’ comfort level by providing multiple opportunities to perform the tasks while operating on first and second shifts.
“Training is the foundation of the CSX safety culture, and investing in employees is the most fundamental way we can prepare our train crew members for a safe, successful career on the railroad,” Jamie Boychuk, executive vice president of operations, said in a statement. “The additional week of new-hire training in Atlanta will help conductors strengthen their skills in preparation for their on-the-job training assignment.”
CSX developed the extended training program in consultation with the SMART-TD, which represents conductors.
“We’re proud to continue working with CSX to improve the training curriculum for new hire trainmen, in the same spirit as we’ve worked together to increase compensation and expand our mentoring partnerships for trainees,” Jeremy Ferguson, president of SMART-TD, said in a statement. “More training directly translates to better safety for our members and demonstrates our shared commitment to the CSX safety culture.”
After completing their five weeks at the Atlanta Training Center, new conductors begin up to five months of on-the-job training at their hiring location, where they learn the physical characteristics and job assignments of their designated territory.
Last week Norfolk Southern and SMART-TD announced a plan to improve the railroad’s conductor training program and increase trainee pay.
Back in 2010, the class was 6 weeks.
Indeed the last few years the training regimen has been quite lacking.
Good idea, no such thing as too much training when it comes to railroading. Step in the right direction.