What does it take to become a train driver? Profession "train driver": description, specifics, advantages. Secondary vocational education

  • 24.04.2020

How to become a train driver is of interest to many. Training as a train driver begins at a railway college or technical school and continues during an internship at a depot. To consolidate practical skills, train driving simulators are used in classrooms.

You will need:

  • Special education
  • Good health
  • Punctuality
  • Discipline
  • Good memory

A train driver is a profession that is performing in nature and is associated not only with management vehicle, but also, in part, with its service. People of this profession operate trains and electric trains of various types and purposes. Often, this profession involves an irregular working day and is associated with increased physical and moral stress.

The short answer to the question "How to become a train driver?" sounds something like this: "You need to get professional education and go to work in the depot. In fact, to achieve the goal, you need to go through several stages.

In the beginning, you should get an initial vocational education in one of the specialized colleges in the specialties of an assistant locomotive driver of a diesel locomotive or electric locomotive. It is in these educational institutions that they will teach you how to drive a locomotive and use radio communications, here you will receive basic knowledge on conducting elementary plumbing work. In addition, students learn the design of the locomotive and railway traffic rules.

Training as a train driver can be continued at a technical school after graduating from a college or secondary school. There you can get a secondary technical education in the specialty " Technical operation rolling stock railways» and the qualifications of the technician.

The final stage in obtaining a profession is entering a job at a depot and passing an internship there at the immediate place of work under the guidance of an experienced driver who has at least three years of work experience. The duration of the internship depends on the decision of the management transport company and can last from three months to three years. After the expiration of the term and having received a positive recommendation from the head of the internship, you get the right to independently drive the locomotive, that is, become a train driver.

It should be remembered that for the profession of a train driver, a prerequisite is the passage of a medical professional selection, which is standard medical examination doctors of various specializations. In addition, an applicant for the profession of "driver" must have certificates from a narcologist and from a psychiatric dispensary.

If your working day begins with the phrase: “Good afternoon, ladies and gentlemen! On behalf of Russian Railways, I and our crew are pleased to welcome you on board the Sapsan train, which means you are the driver of the fastest train in Russia. And your job is to “fly” every day without taking off from the ground: after all, in some sections between St. Petersburg and Moscow, the train develops a speed comparable to the take-off speed modern airliner. And certainly nowhere in the Sapsan you can find a better view from the window than in the driver's cab. Tickets are not sold there, but you can try to make the driver's cab your workplace.

1) Experience - at least 5 years, class - at least 2nd

You may not be a poet, but you must be a machinist. And not lower than the 2nd class - in order to get to the "Sapsan". For those who are far from the railways, let us explain: in order to get the 2nd class, you need to work as an electric train driver for 3 years. The countdown starts from the 4th class, which allows you to drive locomotives and electric trains. In the case of Sapsan, in addition to high class, you also need to have experience behind you - at least 5 years.

2) Health - like astronauts

The path to the driver's seat lies through the medical board. Requirements for the physical condition of candidates are severe. Future machinists will be tested for vision (it must be one hundred percent), hearing, the work of the cardiovascular system and other vital organs. There is still a psychological test to determine how attentive the candidate is, whether he is ready to bear responsibility for the lives of hundreds of people. And most importantly - no bad habits: even the machinists do not smoke in Sapsan!

3) Speak English!

Sapsan drivers are the only ones on domestic Russian trains who talk to passengers on English language. Therefore, for an interview, future candidates should check his basic knowledge. Of course, no one requires free possession, but you won’t be able to limit yourself to popular expressions and famous words from Hollywood films.

4) "Driver's license" for "Sapsan"

One specialized education(in Moscow, for example, train drivers are taught at the Railway College No. 52 or the Moscow College of Railway Transport) is not enough. It is also necessary to obtain a special certificate that gives the right to drive the Sapsan. The first drivers of trains new to Russia were trained in Germany by Siemens. And almost a year ago, such courses appeared in Russia: on February 1, 2010, the Locomotive Crew Training Center was opened in St. Petersburg, where future drivers train. First, they work out theory and practice on the Sapsan simulator at the Center, then consolidate their knowledge on a real train at the Metallostroy depot, where the fastest train in Russia is registered.

Drivers are first born and then made. This truth is also true for the Sapsan drivers. Work on high-speed trains only the most the best shots: machinists of the St. Petersburg junction, the Moscow junction and Gorkovskaya Zh.D. However, even an ordinary driver can sit “behind the wheel” of the fastest train in Russia, if he meets all the requirements. The main thing, as noted in the North-Western Directorate of High-Speed ​​Communication, is that the candidate for the Sapsan driver not only knows all the instructions, but also knows how to correctly and quickly apply them: at speeds over 200 km / h there is not much time to think.

Let's add on our own: drivers are really the elite of railway transport, whose experience is also in demand in the management of Russian Railways. For example, Dmitry Pegov, director of the Directorate of High-Speed ​​Communications of Russian Railways, went from being an assistant driver to heading the high-speed line and becoming the head of Sapsan.

By the way, you can ask your questions in the comments. We will forward them to the Sapsan drivers and you will receive first-hand answers

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;
  • responsibilities;
  • 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 diesel fuel is emitted into the 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?

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 different types of trains, working 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. You have to follow the rules of the road technical indicators, semaphore signals, obstacles on the way. Everything is complicated by the fact that the trains go at great speeds, sometimes the time for making 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 points 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 include extended medical insurance, paid trips to a 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 - the 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 in the direction. 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. medical commission applicants with bronchial asthma, diseases of the heart and blood vessels, problems with the vestibular apparatus or the musculoskeletal system may not pass. Persons with mental disabilities are not allowed to responsible service.

Knowledge and skills

Contrary to popular belief, working on a train locomotive is difficult process requiring constant voltage. Even the owners technical professions it is necessary to study as a driver, to 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 instructions or specifics of the situation;
  • carrying out basic engineering and plumbing work, troubleshooting simple problems;
  • possession of the rules of conduct on the railway, compliance with traffic rules;
  • understanding of the principles of radio communication, the ability to use it;
  • ability to communicate with passengers 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. The profession of a machinist is taught by 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 in order to advance in career ladder will have to study further. 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 today's 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 completed a certain number of trips without emergency situations, may be within 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 type of employment, place of work, presence of additional duties can affect the salary of an electric locomotive driver. 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 in workers not so much physical strength is valued as endurance, reaction speed, knowledge of the basics of engineering.

train driver- a railway operator operating passenger and freight trains, electric trains of various messages and destinations. The driver drives the train by driving the locomotive. The profession is suitable for those who are interested in physics and labor and economy (see the choice of profession for interest in school subjects).

Features of the profession

Trains differ in the type of locomotive (diesel locomotive / electric locomotive), as well as in range and purpose of routes. For example, long-distance trains can carry goods and passengers for thousands of kilometers, while commuter trains do not leave the region and make several trips a day. Large industrial enterprises (factories, mines, mines) have their own railways and trains - the routes of such trains are even shorter.

And each type of train requires special training from the driver.

The driver must drive the train exactly on schedule, observing traffic rules, semaphore signals, etc. The route of the train is practically unchanged. However, the situation on the road is constantly changing. It may depend on the weather, on the workload of the train, on other road users. For example, a truck stuck on the tracks requires an immediate response.

Moving at great speed is often associated with unexpected events. Road conditions, road signs, instrument readings in the cab - all this requires constant intense attention. Therefore, a long-distance driver always works with an assistant (an assistant driver, who can also become a driver over time). On steam locomotives, the brigade includes a stoker - he ensures the operation of the locomotive by throwing fuel. However, steam locomotives are a rarity these days. In some cases (for example, in the subway), the driver works alone.

Long-distance train routes are divided into sections. And the driver is usually an expert on one of the sections of the track. At one of the stations, one brigade of the locomotive is replaced by another and the train moves on. The old crew rests at the inn and takes their place again when it's time to drive the train back.

Drivers of local lines or the subway also need a good rest. For example, in the subway, drivers have special rest rooms where they can sleep after the shift and before the start of a new day, if, according to the duty schedule, the driver has to take the train to the line in the morning.

Workplace

Railways, subways, large factories, mines, etc. enterprises using railways for internal movement of goods.

Salary

Salary as of 03/23/2020

Russia 40000—100000 ₽

Moscow 110000—65000 ₽

Important qualities

Self-confidence, high sense of responsibility, quick reaction, ability to concentrate, good vision (including color vision), acute hearing. Diseases of the heart, blood vessels, central nervous system, bronchial asthma, disorders of the vestibular apparatus, problems of the musculoskeletal system that restrict movement are contraindicated in such work.

Knowledge and skills

It is necessary to be able to drive a locomotive, carry out small plumbing work, and use radio communications. Know the structure of the locomotive, the rules of traffic on the railway.

Train driver training (education)

Initial Vocational Education (VET)

In one of the railway colleges you can get professions:

  • "Assistant locomotive driver";
  • "Assistant locomotive driver";
  • "Assistant locomotive driver"

Secondary vocational education (SVE)

In colleges and technical schools, you can get the specialty "Technical operation of the rolling stock of railways." Qualification "Technician".

On-the-job training

To work in the metro, you can get a job at a depot (on the metro line) and there you can train as a driver. First, locksmith practice is carried out, then the future driver studies the equipment of the electric train and learns to operate the train. In the Moscow metro, simulators are used to speed up the process.