Railway conductors co-ordinate and supervise the activities of passenger/freight crew members, except for railway locomotive engineers, to ensure that trains operate according to schedules, orders, and operating rules. They also collect fares, announce train stops, and answer passengers' questions.

Railway brakemen/women check train brakes and other systems/equipment prior to train runs and assist railway conductors in activities en route.

In general, you usually need a high school diploma.

Except for yard locomotive engineers, you need specific levels of the Certificate of the Canadian Rail Operating Rules.

To be a railway locomotive engineer, you must have experience as a railway conductor.

To be a railway conductor, you must have experience as a railway brakeman or brakewoman.

To be a railway brakeman or brakewoman, you usually need experience as a railway worker.

Many recent entrants have a high school diploma, and almost 3 in 10 have a trade/vocational certificate or community college diploma.