I will be leaving Saturday to head to Kansas to start the schooling. I got everything squared away.
NARS/JCCC Conductor Program
(120 posts) (17 voices)-
Mprather91
MemberPosted 2 months ago # -
Mprather91
MemberThank you. I hope so! What would you advise taking your first day, besides a notebook, pen/pencil exc.?
Posted 2 months ago # -
johnnbea
ModeratorYou pretty well have it! Pen/pencil and paper, HIGHLIGHTERS for sure. You will have a ton of information everyday. I had a spiral notebook for NARS, and I wrote notes AND highlighted most of my rule book too! Just whatever experience has taught you works for you with regard to retention. Also, you might want to make flash cards for your signals, but not everyone needs them. I did, but there weren't too many in my class who went that route!
Posted 2 months ago # -
yeah it's easy to make flash cards for the signals. Surprised that for costing over 6k they don't provide you with flash cards! lol
Posted 2 months ago # -
Mprather91
Member@johnnbea you must be famous, you got mentioned in class today.
Posted 2 months ago # -
johnnbea
ModeratorMe? Famous? HARDLY! LOL I'm just here in Kansas City too, for Engine School, and I've been over to visit! I've been IN sight, so NOT out of mind! LOL
How was the first day of class? Did you get the "what have I done?" feeling? :-)
I hope you find the same experience that I did with the NARS program as well! It seems to be just growing and evolving everyday!
Posted 2 months ago # -
Mprather91
Memberhaha. Well, your name did pop-up this morning. I was/am pretty impressed so far. I like the attitude of everyone that works there and how they conduct things. Like you said it's a lot but very do-able. It's pretty easy to taken in if you don't overwhelm yourself, so far. hah
Posted 2 months ago # -
Thats awesome they are talking about John!
Posted 2 months ago # -
Mprather91
Memberthanks for coming and talking to our class john ;)
Posted 2 months ago # -
bigdaddysimp
MemberI am thinking of going to this school. I am from North Carolina. Does either of you have any tips on somewhere to stay and how much it cost? The school is going to be $7225! I hope it will be worth it. Thanks
Posted 2 months ago # -
Mprather91
Member@bigdaddysimp Yesterday I just got done with week one of the program. So far, I am VERY impressed with it. Our class got the "luck of the draw" so to say, because, we only have 10 people and 2! instructors. Well, one is only an assistant but he is VERY knowledgeable. They're both really good instructors though. I hard usually class sizes are normally 15-25 people, around there. No one is rude to you, everyone there at that program is there to help you. Do not be afraid to ask questions, trust me, we ask PLENTY of those. The work is not hard, but don't get me wrong, that does NOT mean you can slack off. You have homework every night and you must study. If you do that you'll be fine. As our instructor says "it's not rocket science." You also need to understand there are NO guarantee's for getting a job. I still have 5 weeks left, but I do feel good about this program so far.
Posted 2 months ago # -
bigdaddysimp
MemberWhat about a place to stay? Are you staying in a hotel or do you have somewhere? Thanks.
Posted 2 months ago # -
Mprather91
MemberI'm staying at the Hawthorne Suites on college blvrd. It is a extended stay. Really nice room. Very comfortable. It's almost like a small one bedroom apartment.
Posted 2 months ago # -
bigdaddysimp
MemberIs there any place to get help paying for this school? They told me that it is not eligible for financial aid.
Posted 2 months ago # -
Possibly a personal loan from your credit union..
Posted 2 months ago # -
Mprather91
MemberIf you're military you can use the GI bill or a loan... you can't use federal and state financial aid for the program which is bull... in my opinion.
Posted 1 month ago # -
johnnbea
ModeratorFor any of you considering NARS, I think you will find I am a HUGE fan of the program! It really is, I think, the best out there, and I absolutely support them 100%! You do have to focus, but the program is very much doable, and will serve you well once you are out in the railroad world!
Remember, they are there for you, so don't be afraid to ask questions, and don't hesitate to ask quetions of me as well, should you need any help along the way!
@Mprather91
What week are you now, week 5, just finished? How's it going for you?Posted 1 month ago # -
Mprather91
Member@johnn Just finished week five cramming a lot of info. Our GCOR exam has been set back by a day and interviews for BNSF
Posted 1 month ago # -
baasrob
MemberHi everyone, i am 44 years old and it has been my childhood dream to become a railroad engineer! i am finally taking the steps to make it happen! i am attending NARS on the 21st of May.The million dollar question for me and everybody on here is? what are my chances of getting hired after school?Am i too old?
My background...officer in the army,self employed steel worker,project management,husband and father....
I have signed up for Seans e mail and i have purchased his e book... ,i am sure i will get a lot of answers to my question in there, but heck anything you might have to add please do...Posted 1 month ago # -
bigdaddysimp
MemberI think the chances are a lot better if you go to the school. I may be joining you in May. I signed up for the April 16 class but they canceled it. It is a lot of money but I will pay it to get on. I am already very qualified for a conductor position but, if it take going to school to get the job, I'll be happy to do it. Good luck!!
Posted 1 month ago # -
MurfP
MemberI plan on attending NARS school in May as well.
I have a question about preparing for the school:
Do these classes start teaching their students with no prior knowledge or should we (the students) study up and prepare ahead of time?I've already gotten a 5th edition of the GCOR, I found online that a 6th edition is either already out, or on the way. I was wondering if anyone could confirm this? This is where I found out the information about a 6th edition:
http://www.aslrra.org/news___publications/Views___News/results.cfm?articleid=3553
it's from the American Short Line Railroad Association websiteJust wanting to make sure I have everything, this website has been great resource and even though I talked with the Veteran's Affairs office and a lady at NARS, I just wanted to see what everyone here thought as well.
fair winds and safe travels
Posted 1 month ago # -
They teach from scratch so don't confuse yourself trying to study!!!
Posted 1 month ago # -
thunderburn
MemberHi all. Norfolk Southern conductor here in St Louis. I've been reading all this stuff about NARS lately. I felt like I need to give some of you a shot of reality. I hate to tell you this but Class 1 railroads don't give a crap if you spend your money on this or not. They want a strong work history where you were exposed to the elements, worked a tough schedule, and had to work on call from time to time. You need a clean driving/criminal/credit history as well. I was hired over people who had worked for railroads in the past and over people that had 4 year degrees. I was a Network Technician/Lineman for AT&T for 4 years. No railroad experience. Military experience is preferred as well. I was hired 6 months ago and have been working "marked up" for a month now, so I know how the hiring process goes down. Don't waste your money guys.
Posted 1 month ago # -
Jeremy Sur
MemberWell after a few months of working and trying to get in to hire at a railroad, I decided that I would just take the route of NARS with their Railroad Conductor program. I have applied and signed up for the May 21 - June 29 days. Is anyone else from here going to be in those classes? I am also possibly looking to maybe room with someone during my time up there.
I know that this is a huge step to take on and I know that it does not guarantee me any kind of official employment, but none the less if I do or do not get a job right out of the 6 weeks, I think it would be beneficial to me in the long run in starting a career on the railroad.
Posted 1 month ago # -
MurfP
MemberI have to agree with baasrob on this.
NARS is "sponsored" by the big B, and they gave me a list of all the railroads they claim take preference to NARS graduates. I've called the HR of three of those railroads, two being class 3s, and they all recommend NARS. All NARS does is guarantee a top education in the railroad industry, an associate science degree if one takes the other courses required as well.
Given what they're guarantee is, I've already prepared myself for a "worst case" scenario: I called University Illinois Urbana-Champagne's RAILTEC college. Told them I was going to NARS, then possibly transferring. They replied NARS is a great foundation for their bachelors program!
So, worst case, I don't get hired... YET. But I then pursue my bachelors degree at one of the top railway universities in the nation, and at a prime location to apply to almost any railroad.
My family is from Chicago, my grandfather's brother worked for CB&Q. All railways lead there. So, as a "worst case" getting a top education that leads me to a UI RAILTEC bachelors degree, there's worse things.
Jeremy, if you read the past posts here you'll learn quite a few of us are headed to NARS in May.
Posted 1 month ago # -
ALB
ModeratorMurfP - NARS and any further education is great but 99% of RR hires have never been near a NARS class, it does not guarantee you a job, just a better chance. The reality is somewhere in between, someone I know of did NARS then hired on, got 100% on the final and then got fired because they are useless in the field. The point of this, NARS will give you a better chance of getting an interview and being hired but that's where it stops. Oh, and class 3 RR's don't really count, they pay bad and take almost any one who was class 1 trained but coulldn't make it
Posted 1 month ago # -
MurfP
MemberI actually couldn't agree more with you ALB.
Its just my family has always believed a quality education in something one enjoys is priceless. So in that way, worst case of just getting an education isn't too bad. I know eventually I'll be hired on to a railroad.
I'm also thinking my time in the military and shift work at Disneyland where I once worked 32 hours in a 48 hour period, one being a 20 hour day I volunteered for because someone else called in, I'm thinking I fit this career.
Its just after reading Sean's ebook along with my own feelings, I've decided NARS or other training can only help because of my less than stable work history to prove I am motivated.
I only intended to show NARS can be a great start in education guaranteed almost, even though it wont solve everything to get hired.
As a friend would say, going to NARS is just "one more feather in my headdress " to show I'm serious about getting hired.
Past my hiring, I'm confident I can prove the rest with time in the saddle.
Sorry about my "soapbox" I hope I don't come across angry, or argumentative. If so I've failed. I just know after my research feel getting my education in the railroad first is my best option.
Posted 1 month ago # -
Mprather91
MemberWell, first of all.. I will agree 100% NARS is sponsored by BNSF they just wont/can't say that. I've only been out a week as of now.. and I cannot say how much it has helped get me get interviews exc. But I have applied a lot. So it will be a little while. Also, @ALB I would not count out at Class 3 railroad.. especially if you're someone like me, new, single and no family. I believe it is a good start to gain some sort of experience. The Texas-New Mexico railroad actually called me the other day and is over-nighting a drug test to me to go do. So, that must mean they are very interested in hiring me. If they do offer me a job I will more then likely take it to be honest.
One more thing, anyone considering going to NARS, if you have taken the BNSF aptitude test within 6 months of going and did not pass. You will not get an interview with BNSF at the end of school because you cannot retake it within that 6 months.
Posted 1 month ago #
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