How can I work for the Railroad at age 18? As a conductor or Switchman?

Jobs in the operating department are desirable ones. They do some hiring off the street, but people working in other departments can transfer into the operating department from another craft easier. Sooooo... Get on in any branch of the service. Laborer is a good starting point for most of your age and relative inexperience. Though crummy work, it is a starting point. Or you can get on in MOW, such as with the other answerer speaking of tie gangs and steel gangs, however, being a conductor is hard work at times. It's easier in MOW. You see, we of the operating department don't have daylight jobs with regular starting times. The blazing sun is no friend. And if out on a derailment, then it is really very tuff on them as well. It's all linked, of course. No roadbed means no hogheads, no hogheads means no trains to move to pay the bills. All crafts depend on each other. So, there are other railroad jobs you may have a shot at: Machinist, Electrician, Carman, Carpenter, Welder, Pipefitter, Boilermaker... the list is extensive and most all the positions on union property pay well. Either way, you gotta open doors and keep on banging on them until they do open. I have known people who have been hired just so the Trainmaster (MTO on UP property, dunno about the others) would get the guy out of his hair. While that is happening, I would recommend extending your education, if possible. A relatively low cost solution is a community college, if one is handy. That'll get you an AA degree at least, which will look better on those aforementioned job applications. What it really comes down to is how bad one wants to follow that career path. Other tips: Stay healthy. Back injuries are an immediate deal breaker. ANY trouble with drugs or alcohol is a no go. Your criminal record, if there is one and/or your driving record is required every three years for the FRA Certifications for Conductors or Engineers, since they are positions that require a license. Basic math skills are required, but it is best if one can read, write and retain at a college level. It takes a lot of ongoing study in the operating department positions as well and it changes frequently. It make take relocating to another part of the country to find a vacancy. Let any of your prospective employers know this. There are a lot more companies out there besides the UP or KCS, such as BNSF or NS. In addition, there are many, many more non-union short lines in the mix. Seek them out as well. I won't lie to you. It is not very easy to get on. But, still keep trying. It may not happen for you until in your thirties, but if you aren't actively trying to market yourself, your chances are less. Follow your heart. Good luck to you, and keep the wheels on the steel.

I have a cousin who hired on as a conductor in Nebraska for UPRR . You start out at the bottom no matter what job you have with any country. In time he took training to be a engineer. Again he had to start all over again running a local train across the state picking up cars to be used to build a train. After time he got a steady run to the coal fields in Wyoming. Engineer's work a long time for the runs and hours they want.

Apply, and no being a switchman or conductor isn't hard work. I have worked on the tracks for 15 years on tie and steel gangs, switchman throw switches and assemble trains. Apply and good luck.