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Is being a rail yard engineer a good fit for you?

Drives small locomotives that move train carriages around rail yards, factories and work sites.

What the work involves

  • Watches for and responds to trackside and cab signals, including lights, flags and warning devices.
  • Inspects engines before and after use to check they work properly.
  • Applies and releases hand brakes.
  • Talks with conductors and other workers by radio or computer to share shunting information.

The interests that suit it

People in this work tend to be hands-on and organising. Here is how much each of the six kinds of interest comes into it.

Hands-onStrong. Building, fixing, and working with tools, machines, animals or the outdoors.
CuriousLow. Finding things out, solving problems, and working with ideas and data.
CreativeLow. Making things: art, writing, music, design and performance.
HelpingLow. Teaching, caring for and supporting people.
PersuadingLow. Leading, selling, and making the calls.
OrganisingSome. Keeping things in order: records, numbers and systems.

How much training it needs

Fast start. Little or some training needed. Rules differ from country to country, so check locally before you commit.

Find out if it fits you

Answer quick questions about what you like doing and what keeps you going. We match you with roles from over 900 kinds of work, and you can see if a rail yard engineer is one of yours.

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