I have been on the railway in the UK for 28 years and Im looking to move to Toronto, Ottawa or Montreal. I am currrently a Train Running Controller (bit like air traffic controller but with trains). I have been actively applying for similar jobs with CN rail but they always send back a rejection letter stating I am not qualified!!
Any suggestions on how to get my foor in the door?

Find out what qualifications they want then study for them?

Alternatively, see if there are other positions within the rail industry that you might have skills for.

And think about what advice you might give a Canuck asking how one gets a foot in the door at Network Rail.

Welcome to BE!

You are required to have certain certificates in order to do that job in Canada. You can read more here: http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/rep...atedOccupation

Railway traffic controllers require a Canadian Rail Operating Rules certificate.

http://www.railcan.ca/careers/training

Thanks for the info it is the same as the UK. Bit of a catch 22 situation when I have the relevent UK certificates but not the Canadian ones! lol. Might need to change my tactics!

It was the same coming to Oz, mapping experience over and all that, pain in the arse but had to be done. Good luck

Many thanks Steve

The City of Ottawa are currently building a light rail system, opening in 2018. They will be looking for controllers.

PM me for more details.

CP might be a better place to look for work, with all the new oil tankers going down south.

Looks like you need to re-train.

She's a bit loco and definitely on the wrong track.

Is the railway construction on track?

just out of interest, is there an internationally recognised institution you could join? I'm in the signalling game and the IRSE is a pretty much world wide door opener, just a thought but worth finding out

ooh, and where in Kent? not Ashford by any chance?

Very good. (and yes, it is).

When I worked for the CPR, (and my father, and my grandfather), the seniority system was in effect, and probably still is, so getting a job as a yardmaster or dispatcher right off the hop doesn't seem likely unless things have changed a lot. When I was there last in the '70s it was still a bit like the feudal system. Your skill set could be usefull in a shipping terminal or transportation hub though, wouldn't it? Hopefully you'll get on with the railway, so good luck.

Thanks for all of the advice