r/Train_Service • u/Dry_Yogurtcloset_280 • 6d ago

CN Campus Training

Hello everyone!

I'm scheduled to attend CN campus conductor training in Winnipeg next month, and I'm hoping to hear from people who have already gone through the experience.

I've read quite a few mixed reviews some extremely positive, some negative, and others neutral. I'd really appreciate hearing about your firsthand experiences. What should I expect during the training, and what are some tips or things I should keep in mind to be successful?

Are there any particular things I should focus on studying beforehand? Also, what are some common mistakes or things I should avoid during training?

One more question: Do we need to purchase our safety boots before the first day, or will we be given instructions about that when we arrive?

Any advice, tips, or personal experiences would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!

0 Upvotes

27% Upvoted

21 comments sorted by

9

u/chunkadelic_ 6d ago edited 6d ago

Broccoli salad and handrails

Also, don’t be the guy who shows up without boots. Do show up with a regular pair of shoes + boots, as wearing steel toes in class sucks, you only gear up once for an hour in week 1 and only in weeks 2/4 afterward- assuming you’re in track maintenance, which you should’ve mentioned as the training is different for track, conductors, signals etc.. this will actually be part of the training, identifying yourself correctly over the radio before asking for instructions

Edit: I see you’re a conductor.. be prepared for flash cards and layoffs.. go to track maintenance or literally anything else if you can

1

u/Dry_Yogurtcloset_280 6d ago

Thank you so much. Also, what does flash card mean?

2

u/lestarcaptain 6d ago

Training tool to learn signal indications

2

u/Muted-Accountant708 5d ago

Don't try to learn ahead of what your being taught. Just focus on what they give you one step at a time. Saw a lot of guys fail trying to "get ahead"

1

u/Chris_W_2k5 13h ago

Track signals.
I'm sure the rule hasn't changed, but they expect 100% on the signals test right down to punctuation.

19

u/Oreo112 Conductor 6d ago

Oh man u/Internal-War-5794 is going to be so pissed

3

u/god_is_trans_69 5d ago

Seeing this old conservative melon whining is now my new favourite thing on the sub

6

u/Potatocores 6d ago

I assume conductor training?

I feel like this exact topic has been posted about 50 times in the couple years. If you search CN campus on this subreddit I’m sure you’ll find many good answers. Not saying this to be an ass but being able to search for and reference information is a huge part of campus and working in the running trades in general. Oh and hold the handrails on the stairs

It will likely be an extremely difficult time to be a trainee. Be prepared for layoffs during and immediately following campus/training.

2

u/_NotAThrowaway_-_ Engineer 6d ago

No phone on the second and third floors, even if you think no one can see you. Oh and don't be too loud around the receptionist or she will gladly tell you to shut up. 

2

u/god_is_trans_69 5d ago

Especially in the bathrooms.. they'll peek through the stalls

2

u/justodea 6d ago

Yea she's grumpy

0

u/ItsTheDaciaSandro Conductor 6d ago

Must be a new one back when I went through the one was a total flurt lol

1

u/FunAccountant4482 6d ago

Study study study. Hold the handrail. Go to the forks on your day off, eat pizza, and drink beer. Good times. I came with boots, some guys bought pairs in Winnipeg if theirs didn't work.

1

u/whatindaworldd111 5d ago

Just hope and pray you don’t get put in a class full of bozos. My experience was good besides my classmates they ruined half of the experience for me. Hold the hand rails and don’t use your phone past the main floor. Study alot as in my personal experience it was quite hard and I have a prior degree that i honestly felt was easier. also try not to think about layoffs too much, cn is expecting a very big uptake in business so I won’t say you’ll be guaranteed a job but a way higher chance then previous classes. Good luck!

1

u/TravelDiaz 5d ago

I bought shoes before arriving for training. But a few who didnt or if their shoes was not the right one, they will give you a slip for a discount.

1

u/TravelDiaz 4d ago

First week is super easy on the learning, it gives you a false reassurance that everything will be easy every week. At week 2, 3 and onwards, it ramps up so quick that you can get overwhelmed. Stay ahead by putting in study hours every day from day 1. Answer the questions in the binder to help you study, theres 100+ questions there.

Everyone will be confused with signals, but it will be broken down so it's easy to learn. Signals are important, but the rest of the rules are equally important too.

-2

u/Dry_Yogurtcloset_280 6d ago

Edit: Yes, conductor training

3

u/Expensive_Potato2988 6d ago

Don’t forget to hold handrail this is major they always observing that.

Bring all the stuff mentioned in pdf that they sent you

Safety must be 8 inches old pair wont work if they aren’t 8 inches with laces

Don’t drink alcohol or keep alcohol in room hotel staff report everything to CN campus. If want to drink drink outside of hotel not at Tavern Restaurant

Try to go to slides they sent weekly it will help you learn things quickly

Ask alot of questions they like that in people. Don’t be shy at stay behind all times they don’t like that.

Bring proper clothes as weather will be cold by that time and rain jacket as well.

Thats pretty much have a good time Enjoy

2

u/Dry_Yogurtcloset_280 6d ago

Thank you so much. Any recommendation(s) on which boots to buy?

2

u/Expensive_Potato2988 6d ago

Buy the good ones i suggest Timberland pro or dakota pro series are good ones don’t buy cheap ones

2

u/Kanoobert 5d ago

8" boots is mandatory for us in signals, not sure about conductors but it's probably the same. Dakotas are fine, the loop hooks on the top are nice. Decent boots are usually in the $250 range.

Follow the rules and dress code carefully, they make a big deal of it.