Railroad Management and Engineering: Educational Needs and Recommended Programs

摘要

The modern educational needs of the rail industry can best be met by a combination of focused and practical seminars and short courses for present and prospective professional employees, support for enrichment of the railroad content of university transportation offerings, a university railroad research program, and fellowship support. This is the consensus of more than 90 senior-level individuals interviewed, representing all segments of the industry, including railroads, Government agencies, suppliers, consultants, associations, and universities. The railroads state that they are having little difficulty in attracting talented people, but new employees typically, have no specialized railroad knowledge, which adversely impacts job expectations, career motivation, and employee retention. Railroads actively recruit the small number of new graduates with rail training. Suppliers, Government agencies, and consultants have greater recruiting problems and correspondingly have greater needs for improved educational programs. The recommended university programs will have an immediate and positive impact on railroad recruiting and will help to strengthen innovation in the railroad industry.