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In fall, Dakota County Technical College (DCTC) plans to begin offering Minnesota’s first railroad conductor training program. The seven-week course will include classroom and hands-on training sessions. The college is building a yard on campus to provide field training.

DCTC plans to provide graduates a two-month paid internship with one of the college’s railroad partners — BNSF Railway Co., Canadian National Railway Co., Canadian Pacific Railway or Union Pacific Railroad — which operate in Minnesota. The college set up a Web site at www.customizedtraining.com to promote the program.

In 2004, DCTC submitted a proposal to the Class Is and several small roads suggesting the college create the program. The railroads agreed to provide funding, and help develop the curriculum and admissions requirements. Later this month, the college also will obtain a grant from Minnesota Job Skills Partnership to cover start-up costs.

For more information on railroad training schools, see page 17 of Progressive Railroading’s July issue.