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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:
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
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 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.
Railway car technicians may work on passenger cars, freight cars, or both. In general, they:
Railway car technicians often make minor repairs in rail yards or on repair tracks. If major repairs are needed, they send rail cars to repair shops. Sometimes cars come off the rails. 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 come off tracks, they must travel to the site of the derailment.
Railway car technicians need to possess:
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 railway-car-technician apprentice positions may need to:
Welding or metal fabrication experience is a definite asset. The ability to read and create blueprint printouts and diagrams are also assets. Repairs often involve torch work. As a result, 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 rules and regulations. These are issued each year regarding repair techniques and invoicing procedures.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
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 Millwright, Welder, and Metal Fabricator (Fitter) certification profiles.
Railway car technicians work for railway companies and private railway car owners. 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.
Railway car technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7314: Railway carmen/women. In Alberta, 90% of people employed in this classification work in the Transportation and Warehousing [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7314: Railway carmen/women occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Railway car technicians earn from $29 to $38 an hour (2018 estimate).
Updated Mar 31, 2018. 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.