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Carman, Mechanic, Rail Car Mechanic / Technician, Service Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Railway car technicians may work on freight cars, passenger cars, or both. In general, they:
Railway car technicians may make minor or in-train repairs in rail yards or on repair tracks. If major repairs are needed, they send rail cars to repair shops. Sometimes cars derail. When that happens, technicians work from repair trucks and use mobile cranes to return cars to the rails.
In rail repair shops, railway car technicians:
Sometimes technicians repair a rail car belonging to a company other than their employer. In these cases, they must also do paperwork or computer work to invoice for the repair services.
Railway car technicians work on top of and under equipment. They often work in confined areas. They work indoors in shops and outdoors in all weather conditions. The work setting is often noisy, dusty, and dirty. They need to lift up to 20 kilograms.
Railway yards operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As a result, technicians work shifts based on seniority. They may have to work some overtime. When cars de-rail, they must travel to the site of the derailment.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to test and adjust parts using test gauges and other test equipment
Interest in replacing damaged windows, repairing upholstery and repainting wood fixtures, and in performing and documenting routine maintenance
Interest in compiling information to repair defective and damaged metal and wood components, to repair and install railway car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping, and to repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Railway car technicians need:
They should enjoy:
Railway car technicians must successfully complete an internal 3- to 4-year apprenticeship program. This may be offered by railway companies. In British Columbia, Manitoba, and Ontario, where this trade is recognized, apprenticeship may be offered by provincially recognized training providers. Applicants must be at least 18 years of age. They must have a valid driver’s licence. They must also have a high school diploma or related technical training. Applicants for apprenticeship positions may need to:
Welding or metal fabrication experience is a definite asset, as is the ability to read diagrams. Repairs often involve torch work, so basic welding training is provided on the job.
Apprentices first attend classroom training programs. They then rotate jobs working with different journeyperson railway car technicians. They periodically return to the classroom for training in areas such as railway welding. Over time, they are given more responsibility.
Railway car technicians must keep up with new industry rules and regulations. These are issued each year regarding repair techniques.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation. However, railway car technicians often perform duties that overlap with regulated occupations. Certification is needed to perform duties subject to regulation. To learn more, see the Industrial Mechanic (Millwright), Welder, and Metal Fabricator (Fitter) certification profiles.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Railway car technicians work for:
They may be represented by a union. Prospective apprentices are often recruited from among current employees.
Technicians may advance to become supervisors and managers. They may change employers. However, this position is unique to the rail industry. As a result, few railway car technicians transfer their skills to other industries.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Railway carmen/women
2016 NOC: 7314
93.0% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2024-2026 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Incomes in this occupation vary considerably. No current salary data is available.
Updated Mar 24, 2023. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.
