Railway Track & Structures - November 2008 - (Page 25)

tools, ballast, alignment, turnouts and roadway. The Advanced course presents additional topics like FRA Track Safety Standards, track inspection, derailment investigation, management and security and vegetation control. “One final point about our distance training programs is that managers have online access to reports that help them keep track of the progress their employees are making,” Kentner added. “If a customer has a specific need to fill, we have the ability to tailor our existing programs into exactly what they need,” she said. “Furthermore, if a customer approaches us with the need for a unique curriculum we will work with them to develop and deliver it. “Our workshops provide a teacherled environment with a curriculum that draws attendees from different companies,” she noted. “Workshops present a great networking opportunity and they allow attendees to find out how others approach problems.” The Track Guy “The majority of our customers are looking for basic track knowledge, whether it is building or maintaining track,” said John Zuspan of The Track Guy. “We see a lot of people who have one to two years of experience and are looking for a better understanding of how it all works as a track structure. We also see many people new to the industry and always have some old timers in attendance. About 10 percent of all our customers are looking for FRA Track Safety Standards. About 50 percent of our customers are contractors, 30 percent are shortlines or industry, 15 percent represent suppliers and only five percent are designers. The transits are a small portion, but we see a rising interest in our APTA Training program. We are very encouraged to see a large number of the under-30 crowd attending our training sessions.” Zuspan continued: “I see a tremendous need for track training programs. The older guys are retiring and the younger crowd is getting more and more responsibility and, in some cases, they may not be ready. The ones we see in our classes are genuinely enthusiastic and have a great attitude. “We need to be teaching the new technology and not simply teach wood ties, jointed rail and cut spikes,” he said. “Explaining the history of track is important for understanding why we do the things we do. “We bring something special to the training experience and that is more than 30 years of experience building and maintaining every variety of track,” Zuspan pointed out. “From industrial track to direct-fixation track to floating slabs and every variety in between. Our 31 years with the contractors and the last four years as a consultant have given us the knowledge to bring the best track training to the railroad industry. We keep ourselves up to date on new technology and innovative techniques. The most important thing we have is passion for the industry and our hands-on background. The responses to our training programs are overwhelming and we have a responsibility to bring the best and most professional training to the industry.” www.rtands.com Railway Track & Structures November 2008 25 http://www.rtands.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Railway Track & Structures - November 2008

Railway Track and Structures Contents On Track Industry Today Supplier News AREMA News NRC News TTCI R&D TrainingVvital in Shaping Future of Railroad Industry Switch Stands, Switch Machines Automation Offers Improvements in M/W Planning AREMA 2008 Conference Report Products and Literature People Calendar Advertisers Index Sales Representatives Website Directory Professional Directory Classified Advertising Chicago Perspective

Railway Track & Structures - November 2008

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