How to become a train driver. Steps to Becoming a Train Driver

The profession of a machinist is associated with the management of passenger and freight transport on various types railways. Such an employee operates a locomotive to which a steam locomotive, diesel locomotive or electric locomotive is attached. Against the background of the expansion of the ground and underground transport network, the demand for electric train drivers began to grow rapidly. There are several ways to get a position of interest. Each approach has its pros and cons. Before starting a career, applicants should evaluate their own capabilities. Train drivers are hardy, healthy, strong people with a well-developed technical mind. Work in the direction will not be for everyone.

In Russia, the profession of "train driver" originated almost 200 years ago. Even then, special requirements were imposed on its representatives. To control the locomotive, one had to have highly specialized knowledge, high speed reaction, responsibility, resistance to stress.

Technological progress has led to the emergence of compositions different type, work on each of them implies the presence of certain skills.

Also, the locomotive driver must get used to the specifics of the workflow:

• Compliance with the schedule is one of the basic requirements for an employee. In some areas, a deviation from the schedule for a few seconds can lead to serious problems;
• quick response to non-standard situations. Trains run on rails, drivers regularly go along the same routes, but they cannot relax. Need to follow up road rules, technical indicators, semaphore signals, interference on the tracks. Everything is complicated by the fact that the trains go at great speeds, sometimes the time to make a decision is calculated in seconds;
• a clear understanding of the characteristics of your site. To improve work efficiency, drivers are usually assigned a certain route or section of the road. The slightest hitch of the train driver threatens to disrupt the schedule, creating an emergency;
• the ability to quickly recover, to properly distribute their forces. Being in a closed cabin for several hours is associated with significant physical and psycho-emotional stress. The allotted breaks should be used to the maximum so that the quality of work does not decrease;
• concern for health. Before leaving for the shift, the employee undergoes a basic medical examination. They measure his pulse, blood pressure, temperature, check for the absence of alcohol in the blood. In addition, every few months, the employee undergoes a full examination to confirm professional suitability.

An electric locomotive driver is the main person who is responsible for the transported passengers or cargo. Depending on the direction, they daily and repeatedly drive their train along a short route or cover hundreds of kilometers at a time. At the same time, the operation of each type of composition needs control, which requires special technical training.

Pros and cons of the direction

Demand and availability are the main positive aspects of this career option. Every year the number of specialized vacancies increases. Even young professionals with no work experience can count on a good job. A variety of training options is also considered a significant plus.

Many in the direction are attracted by how much machinists earn. Employees can expect a high base salary, impressive seniority bonuses and trouble-free service. Train drivers have the opportunity to retire earlier due to the difficult conditions. Depending on the conditions provided by the employer, the social package may contain an extended medical insurance, paid trips to the sanatorium.

A significant disadvantage of the profession is a significant burden on health. The worker expects many hours of work. At the same time, the employee is almost always in one position and does not even have the opportunity to warm up. This negatively affects the general condition of a person. Modern lineups are maxed out in terms of specifications, but the risk of developing "vibration disease" still remains.

Many strains the need to constantly be in a confined space. The lack of communication among machinists working alone sometimes has a negative effect on the psyche. This career is not suitable for a person who does not get along well with technology - an employee must be able to cope with minor problems, evaluate the quality of the devices.

Workplace

The holder of a specialized education can get a position as an electric train driver in the subway, on short-distance and long-distance railways. Such employees are in demand at large industrial enterprises, mines, large construction sites, at geological exploration sites. The trams are also operated by specialty drivers.

Important qualities

Passing profile training as an electric train driver is not always enough for successful work towards. A number of requirements are put forward for applicants in physical and psycho-emotional terms. The absence of certain character traits can complicate the work process, increase the level of its danger.

To work as a locomotive driver by profession, you must have the following qualities:

• ability to focus on important points and keep it for a long time;
• high speed of response to changing conditions, emergencies, deviations from the usual norm;
• self-confidence, lack of fear before making decisions;
• developed sense of responsibility;
• technical mindset, love for technology, the desire for self-development in terms of studying devices.

Special requirements are put forward to the health indicators of the future driver. The employee must be free of vision and hearing problems. Color blindness is a direct ban on such work. Applicants with bronchial asthma, heart and vascular diseases, problems with the vestibular apparatus or the musculoskeletal system may not pass the medical commission. Persons with mental disabilities are not allowed to responsible service.

Knowledge and skills

Contrary to popular belief, working in a train locomotive is a complex process that requires constant voltage. Even owners of technical professions need to learn to be a machinist, get the first practical experience under the supervision of a professional.

Electric train drivers must have the following knowledge:

• locomotive control in a standard situation;
• response to emergency situations according to the instructions or the specifics of the situation;
• carrying out basic engineering and plumbing work, troubleshooting simple problems;
• mastery of the rules of conduct railway, observance of traffic rules;
• understanding of the principles of radio communication, the ability to use it;
• the ability to communicate with passengers in non-standard situations, the ability to control the actions of the crowd.

Studying at a specialized institution allows you to get only a basic understanding of the specifics of the direction. The bulk of skills and abilities are accumulated in the process practical work. Seminars are regularly held for machinists, which give them new knowledge and consolidate the old ones. Additional independent studies in the profile provide an opportunity for further career growth.

Where to study as an electric train driver

For those who wish to study as a driver, they can begin at the age of 8. Children who are interested in this direction should visit the children's railway. Such branches are open in many Russian cities. Kids get the opportunity to manage a real composition, acquire basic technical and engineering knowledge, and evaluate their innate talents. Occupations of the machinist train various institutions, which can be entered after the 9th grade. Applicants should prepare for the fact that in any case, the emphasis will be on exact disciplines.

How much to study as a driver

It can take from six months to five years to become a train driver. The indicator depends on the goals and form of education, the level of basic education, and the chosen path of development. In any case, for some time after receiving a diploma, you will have to work as an assistant driver from several months to 2 years. This is followed by special testing, which allows you to determine whether the employee is ready to independently manage the composition.

Initial vocational education

After the 9th grade, you can enter a railway college and get the profession of an assistant driver of a locomotive, diesel locomotive, electric locomotive. It will help you start a career in your chosen field, but you will have to study further in order to move up the career ladder. The salary of an assistant driver of an electric train is not so high, while the workload is significant. But such a place allows you to learn all the subtleties of the direction in practice, to choose your specialization. Another plus of this approach is that further you can already learn to be a train driver according to a simplified scheme.

Secondary vocational education

After the 9th or 11th grade, you can enter a technical school or college, choosing the direction "Technical operation of rolling stock". This approach will take more time, at the exit the student receives the qualification "Technician". Already in the last courses or as additional education, students are taught to become train drivers, engineers, locksmiths, wagon builders and in other areas. Further, if desired, you can get a higher technical education for vertical career development.

On-the-job training

Many representatives of modern youth and adults without specialized education are interested in how to quickly become a train driver with a further guarantee of employment. In this case, it is best to contact the depot directly in the direction of interest. The railroads and subways themselves often recruit apprentices who are offered highly specialized training in operating a particular type of train. The study includes theoretical and practical classes in plumbing, locomotive equipment, traffic rules and other disciplines. To facilitate the process of assimilation of the material, simulators are often used.

How much does a machinist earn

According to statistics, the level of salaries of machinists is above average. Assistants receive an average of 20 to 30 thousand rubles. After switching to independent work the salary of employees is from 40 to 60 thousand rubles. The salary of a train driver who has passed a certain number of flights without emergency situations can be in the range of 100 thousand rubles. Many employers provide additional bonuses for the quarter, year, length of service.

Quite often, the salary of subway drivers is paid already in the process of training. Such a "scholarship" on average ranges from 17 to 25 thousand rubles. At private industrial or mining enterprises, the income level can reach 150 thousand rubles per month. Also, the salary of an electric locomotive driver can be influenced by the type of employment, place of work, availability additional responsibilities. The list of the latter often includes the training of new employees.

Contrary to popular belief, an electric train driver is no longer a purely male profession. Today, more and more universities, technical schools and colleges accept girls who are well versed in technical disciplines. Every year the work of locomotives and trains is improved, the range of electronics application is expanding. Now the workers are valued not so much physical strength as endurance, reaction speed, knowledge of the basics of engineering.

Becoming a Russian Railways train driver is not as easy as it might seem at first glance. But there are options. Which? Let's find out!

Dreams are not enough in this profession. There are a number of factors that can prevent you from making your dream come true. So how do you become a train driver?

First you need to be born a man, because women are not accepted as train drivers for Russian Railways. The work of a machinist is physically and psychologically difficult, associated with heavy loads, with a long stay in a confined space, with strong vibration, with long flights at any time of the day or night, and nervous strain.

All this has a negative impact on women's health. In addition, there are a number of factors that are taken into account when hiring drivers.

How to become a railway engineer?

Here is a list of requirements that you need to meet in order to become and get a job as a train driver in Russian Railways.

1. Medical Commission - only physically healthy people who have passed medical commission especially for employees, with in-depth examination of vision, hearing, heart. A psychiatrist and a narcologist are being checked with the issuance of conclusions.
2. Education - to become a Russian Railways electric train driver, you need to be trained in one of educational institutions, pass exams, undergo locksmith practice, train practice (from the age of 18), simulator training, confirm qualifications and obtain permission to work as an “assistant driver”.
3. Internship - undergo an internship under the supervision of a mentor for 3-4 months, not only learn how to operate an electric train, but also be able to maintain it, conduct a pre-trip check, quickly find faults and be able to correct them.
4. Work experience - in order to become a Russian Railways train driver, an assistant driver must work for at least 2 years without accidents and comments, undergo advanced training, undergo simulator training in emergency response training (training lasts 3-4 months), then pass a qualification exam and get the right to drive an electric train.
5. Advanced training - becoming an electric train driver is not all. Such a profession requires a constant increase in the level of knowledge, skills, qualifications.

By experience and qualifications, drivers are from 3 to 1 class. The highest level is class 1, which allows the driver to work on the most modern electric trains, to carry out passenger transportation over a long distance. This is achieved by years of flawless trouble-free operation and high knowledge.

In addition, every 5 years, drivers undergo training and retraining. After all, every year the equipment is being improved, the old electric trains are being replaced by modern, comfortable electric trains equipped with the latest technology. The driver's cabin of such electric trains is more like a pilot's cabin - there are so many electronics and devices. And to work on some electric trains, knowledge is required in English and training in communicating with passengers via driver-passenger communications.

Even having learned to be a driver, having passed all the tests, there is no guarantee in getting a good position and getting a job in the place where you dream.

How to get a job as a driver in Russian Railways?

You can start your job search by viewing vacancies on the Russian Railways website. You can choose for yourself best option, which will satisfy both in terms of salary, and in terms of qualification requirements, and in terms of the location of the depot and the direction of movement.

But even with a large number of vacancies, it is not so easy to become a machinist in Russian Railways. Having an education, but not having work experience, it is difficult to apply for a good position. Even with work experience, most often they take probationary period or a class below. Each applicant wants to find a worthy place and get a job as a driver with a good salary.

To get a job as a train driver in Russian Railways, you must be prepared for the following requirements:

• Military service
• medical commission
• 100% vision and color perception are normal
• education

Having got a job as a Russian Railways driver, you will have to undergo a medical examination before each flight (pressure, heartbeat, alcohol test), as well as after the completion of the flight. If any indicators are violated, the driver will be removed from the flight and sent to undergo a medical examination.

Nevertheless, many seek to work for Russian Railways, as retirement benefits, free travel on Russian Railways transport once a year, the issuance of uniforms and a high salary make the profession of a Russian Railways driver attractive to young people.

You can find vacancies on various job sites. But the most proven and safest way is to get a job in the Russian Railways, which is most known for positive feedback from employees.

You can first talk with people already working there, find out the real situation, so as not to be deceived and get not what you would like.

In the railway technical school, which you can enter after graduating from the 9th grade of a comprehensive school. The list of disciplines taught to future machinists is very extensive. To control a train, you will need knowledge of its technical characteristics, railway traffic rules, safety precautions, etc., for example, on-board computers have appeared in modern trains, and knowledge of the principles of their operation will also be needed. The computer sets the movement parameters, calculates the movement routes, and moves the locomotive from its place.

Features of the profession

The peculiarities of the profession include knowledge of various types of locomotives, because it is impossible to predict exactly where a graduate of a technical school will have to work and what train to manage. Locomotives are divided into diesel locomotive and electric locomotive, as well as the range of the route. In addition, there are passenger and freight trains, depending on whether they carry people or goods.

Physically strong young men with a stable psyche can go to study as a driver, because the situation on the road is unpredictable. Various accidents are not uncommon, because the driver always goes on a flight only with. By the way, a graduate of a technical school will never immediately be appointed a machinist - at first only an assistant in order to get the necessary train practice. An assistant driver will have to work for at least two years, and then pass an exam. Such difficulties are due to the fact that the train driver is trusted with the lives of hundreds of people, therefore his level must be professional, and his qualifications are high. It is possible to train as a subway driver directly at the depot at the subway line - it will be enough to complete the courses and pass the exam.

Only a long-distance driver always works with an assistant; an electric train driver alone is able to cope with the transportation of passengers. Long-distance routes are divided into certain sections. Each driver is an expert only in his section, that is, in the course of the train, new locomotives are connected to him several times, which are controlled by different drivers.

At railway stations there are rest rooms for drivers, because the work of people in this profession is physically costly and difficult.

The profession of a machinist today is in demand, highly paid and will remain so for a long time. The driver can find applications for his knowledge on the railway, subway, mines and large factories with internal railway communication.

In order to become a driver, you need to study for a law, and to train as an electric train driver, you will need to at least go to college or a technical school. Where to apply for an electric train driver in Moscow? Let's find out.

Let's start with the most important. If almost anyone can study law, then with the training of a train driver, everything is not so simple. After all, not all categories of citizens are allowed to drive trains.

And for some, this job is not suitable for family circumstances. Due to long flights, night shifts, weekend work and holidays many refuse to train as a train driver before they even start. Health does not allow someone, and this work is harmful and carries a heavy burden. In a word, not everyone can manage trains.

But someone still manages them. Yes, and statistics stubbornly show that training as an electric train driver in Moscow is always in demand, places in educational institutions are occupied and there are never any difficulties with recruitment.

Requirements for train driver training

Though higher education and is not required for this profession, the candidate must still have knowledge of staff management and technical equipment. Therefore, those wishing to enter the college or technical school as an electric train driver need to seriously prepare for training, and already during educational process you need to study well.

Working in this profession is a big responsibility. Here they are waiting for strong guys who have served in the army. Therefore, after training, you will need to serve. These are the conditions.

Recruitment for training train drivers in Moscow

Recruitment for training electric train drivers in Moscow is open not only in Russian Railways, but also in the Metropolitan. Candidates under the age of 35 who have served in the army and have a technical education are invited to work. For those wishing to work as a driver in the subway, the metro provides training, having previously selected future drivers through a competition.

What selection process do candidates go through to become an electric train driver in the Moscow metro? If we talk about the subway, then here they accept with a specialized technical education. Profile - that is, technical and previously obtained, for example, in a railway technical school. In short, this path is not for beginners.

The competitive basis consists of 3 parts:

1. The candidate is given a task, there is a commission of employees who also ask questions in order to ascertain the level of technical knowledge. Those who successfully pass this stage, go to the next.
2. Interview with a psychologist. Helps to find out how the candidate is balanced, has self-control and is capable of upcoming energy-intensive shifts.
3. Medical Commission. The candidate should not have problems with vision, hearing, he should not have chronic diseases and heart problems. You will also need to go through a narcologist, a psychiatrist and a skin and venereal dispensary.

If you go through all the stages, then you can act as an electric train driver. In the metro train for 6 months and 3 weeks. After passing the theory and practice (half of the term of study), students are enrolled in the state and paid a scholarship. But the learning is still going on. Each stage of training ends with an exam, those who do not pass the exam are expelled.

In an educational institution, strict discipline and students are required to comply with it. Upon completion of training as a subway train driver, the employee, as a rule, is required to work in the subway for 3 years.

After completing the training and passing the exam, the student receives the qualification of "assistant driver". In his official duties includes: monitor the health of the train, closely monitor the boarding and disembarking of passengers, answer the calls of the passengers of the driver and learn how to operate the electric train from the driver.

The train driver training does not end there. Employees are periodically retrained. They practice on simulators simulating the work of a train, study emergencies and solving technical problems. They pass exams for advanced training, and upon successful completion, they receive an additional payment to wages.

Train driver training from scratch

Russian Railways also invites electric train drivers to train. Health conditions are the same, but in order to become an electric train driver, you can still not have any education other than school.

Train drivers are trained, for example, at the Railway College No. 52 and the Moscow College of Railway Transport.

You can go to study here after 11th grade or 9th grade. The terms of training will depend on the specialty received and the education received earlier. The minimum is 10 months, and the maximum is about 4 years.

Summarize. You can apply for a train driver in Moscow in several educational institutions, and if you have a technical education, you can also go through short-term training. Recruitment is carried out in colleges and technical schools of the Russian Railways, as well as by the training centers of the Metropolitan.

The result of train driver training is not a job. The candidate is expected to reach the age of 18 and have served in the army. It will be possible to start work first as an assistant. After a few years, it is possible to apply for the position of a machinist. This is how it is - a difficult position as a machinist, but it is easy to go this way if this is your calling, and not just a job.

Have you decided to train as an assistant driver or as a driver in the future? Then this article is for you. Here is given comprehensive information about who is taken into this area, what types of rolling stock are available.

We will analyze the main points regarding the profession of "assistant driver":

• education;
• professional selection;
• medical board;
• types of locomotives;
• field of activity;
• duties;
• errors;
• average salary;
• schedule.

Let's stop at each point and consider everything in detail. But still, let's better start with what kind of profession it is and whether they will take you.

Medical Board

Why did we suddenly decide to start with her? And because it will be so: first you will be sent to the clinic for its passage. Below we give the most common diseases, due to which, unfortunately, they do not take on as assistant drivers. Ten years ago, I studied at the railway college. Today the education system is completely different. But even then, before the young man handed over, he passed a medical commission. At present, in almost any depot, a newly hired future assistant driver is first sent to the clinic. So, which doctors are the main ones? Let's list:

• therapist;
• ophthalmologist;
• cardiologist;
• neurologist;
• surgeon.

Not all specialists are listed. In addition, you will be sent to the district clinic for a card, to a neuropsychiatric and narcological dispensary. It is very important that you are not registered there.

The therapist listens to you, asks if there are any complaints about anything. Next, your blood pressure will be measured. It should be normal. Do not take any drugs to feign good condition. Remember that accidents to transport workers happen for this very reason: silence about illness.

At the lore you have to check your hearing, nose, throat, mouth. Slightly reduced hearing in one ear is already a reason to write in the conclusion: "Not fit." Therefore, if you have problems in this area, or at least regular ringing in your ears, you will not be allowed to become an assistant driver.

Your vision must be 100%. There should be no deviations in color perception. The optometrist examines your eyes very carefully. If you wear contact lenses or have had laser correction, you will not be able to hide it. In any case, you will not pass the medical examination.

The cardiologist should see only ideal cardiometry on the ECG without any deviations.

The surgeon examines you to make sure that all your limbs are intact and that there are no abnormalities in your posture. Movement coordination is also important.

professional selection

Congratulations if you passed the medical board! Do you think that now you can count on the future position of "assistant driver"? You will not study tomorrow, believe me. You still need to pass the selection process. If you have successfully passed all the doctors, then the psychologist, unfortunately, can lose.

You will be seated at the monitor, you must be able to find the dot that has just appeared on the screen with dexterity. If you have an excellent reaction and increased attention, then you will succeed, it is important not to be distracted.

You may also need to take other types of testing. It all depends on the enterprise: metro or Russian Railways. And also the type of locomotive plays a big role.

Field of activity

Choose in advance where you want to work: in the subway or on the railway. Although it is planned to soon completely abandon the work of two persons in the Moscow metro, that is, an assistant driver is not needed. Training is currently being conducted with a bias that you will then work only as a machinist. In other subways, it is possible that they are working in two people, but not everywhere.

On the railroad, by contrast, both are required. The assistant driver of an electric train of Russian Railways is trained at the training and production center and directly from the driver to whom he is assigned.

Types of locomotives, electric trains and learning features

In the subway there are electric trains, locomotives and railcars (utility trains). Whom to study for, you choose. You need to contact the electric depot, which is closest to your home.

There are more types of locomotives on Russian Railways:

• motor-car rolling stock (commuter trains);
• electric locomotive (passenger or freight);
• diesel locomotive (passenger, freight, main/shunting);
• economic trains and recovery equipment.

Almost all (except shunting) work is carried out in two persons.

electric train

The train driver assistant training takes about 3-4 months. During this time, he must learn all the basics regarding duties, the structure of cars, learn about possible malfunctions and how to identify them.

electric locomotive

Do not want to work on electric trains, are you more attracted to an electric locomotive? Then you need to go not to the multiple unit (locomotive) depot, but to the electric depot. Training an assistant locomotive driver is much easier. It is worth noting that many railway universities and technical schools send students (volunteers) to work for Russian Railways for summer practice. Time will be spent only on passing the medical examination. Then, if you pass it (and the psychologist too), they put you understudy. That is, there will be three of you in the cab: the driver, the assistant driver and you. Your task is to observe, ask questions on the topic, learn. If you successfully pass the exam / test to the instructor, then you are allowed to work.

Locomotive

Approximately the same training system on a diesel locomotive. But I want to warn you that working on this type of locomotive is much more harmful, since there is an emission from diesel fuel in atmosphere. Many diesel locomotives who have worked for ten years suffer from diseases of the lungs and upper respiratory tract. The assistant driver of a diesel locomotive is trained in the same way as an electric locomotive.

Duties and Mistakes

It doesn’t matter which type of locomotive you choose, metro or Russian Railways, you must learn the three most important books:

You can be asked any question from these books. Therefore, on the very first day of work, purchase them and start reading and studying. In principle, training for an assistant driver (RZD) comes down to three tasks:

• cherished books: PTE, ISI, IDP;
• basics for the device and repair of the locomotive (including coupler and uncoupler);
• attentiveness.

Your task during the movement of the train is to monitor the free path, traffic lights, speed. You must control the actions of the driver, including checking whether he exceeds the speed limit where it is not necessary to do so. In emergency situations, the assistant must break the stop crane if the driver does not take any action.

Mistakes of assistant machinists: Russian "maybe" and "nothing will happen." Unfortunately, due to the distraction of locomotive crews, major accidents happen on Russian Railways. Quite often the turnouts on duty mistakenly translate arrows not on the route. The task of the assistant is to keep track of how the arrow is located.

Salary and work schedule

The average salary of an assistant driver at Russian Railways is about 20,000 rubles. Everything will depend on the region, work experience. On the Moscow road, the payment is much higher.

As for the schedule, the main machinists and assistants do not have a stable one. They are given a regulated inter-shift break (from 16 hours), as well as a monthly norm of hours. When they next call, the locomotive crew may not know. Therefore, if you are a free person in every sense, then feel free to choose this profession. In conclusion, it is worth recalling: the assistant train driver of the Russian Railways is trained in training center while receiving a scholarship.

So we have studied the profession of an assistant driver, considered all the nuances. And you just have to answer your own questions: do I have good health and do I have a desire?