Occupational railway instructor jobs in Finland
Occupational railway instructors teach future occupational drivers of railway transportation, such as train, tram, metro and trolley drivers how to operate their railway vehicle according to regulations. They teach their students theory and techniques on how to optimally drive and maintain their specific railway vehicle, observe and evaluate the students' practice. They also focus on non-driving related subjects such as customer service (in case of person transportation) and safety measure regulations.
Occupational railway instructor - Which skills are essential?
Understand the dynamics of locomotive brake applications.
Ensure all students falling under an instructor or other person’s supervision are safe and accounted for. Follow safety precautions in the learning situation.
Prepare content to be taught in class in accordance with curriculum objectives by drafting exercises, researching up-to-date examples etc.
Keep up with new research, regulations, and other significant changes, labour market related or otherwise, occurring within the field of specialisation.
Follow up on students’ learning progress and assess their achievements and needs.
Provide on-site trainings to trainees on how to operate and drive trains. Instruct them in theories and techniques on matters such as control panels, security signs, security measures, and procedures in train stations.
The different practices, routines, and procedures regarding the safe operation of trains in order to prevent collisions, derailments, or unplanned exceeding of speed limits.
Identify the learning struggles and successes of students. Select teaching and learning strategies that support students’ individual learning needs and goals.
Employ various approaches, learning styles, and channels to instruct students, such as communicating content in terms they can understand, organising talking points for clarity, and repeating arguments when necessary. Use a wide range of teaching devices and methodologies appropriate to the class content, the learners' level, goals, and priorities.
Familiar with all physical aspects of the railway, including train stations, the incline and decline of the right-of-way and speed limits.
Evaluate the students' (academic) progress, achievements, course knowledge and skills through assignments, tests, and examinations. Diagnose their needs and track their progress, strengths, and weaknesses. Formulate a summative statement of the goals the student achieved.
The body of rules, procedures and regulations related to health and safety measures intended to prevent accidents or incidents in transportation.
Possess basic knowledge of the mechanics involved in trains, understand the technicalities and participate in discussions on related topics in order to solve problems related to the mechanics.
Identify developments in the labour market and recognise their relevance to the training of students.
Have knowledge of passenger transport conventions and regulations.
Provide founded feedback through both criticism and praise in a respectful, clear, and consistent manner. Highlight achievements as well as mistakes and set up methods of formative assessment to evaluate work.
Support and coach students in their work, give learners practical support and encouragement.
Ensure that the content, methods, materials and the general learning experience is inclusive for all students and takes into account the expectations and experiences of learners from diverse cultural backgrounds. Explore individual and social stereotypes and develop cross-cultural teaching strategies.
The goals identified in curricula and defined learning outcomes.
Control acceleration, braking, and overall operation of train in motion.
Occupational railway instructor - Which skills are useful but not essential?
Ensure that train engines comply with regulations before commencing a journey.
Processes and principles related to the customer, client, service user and to personal services; these may include procedures to evaluate customer's or service user's satisfaction.
Know the tram system in order to determine how to maintain tram services while causing minimal disruption to customers in the event of incidents.
Encourage students to cooperate with others in their learning by working in teams, for example through group activities.
Various evaluation techniques, theories, and tools applicable in the assessment of students, participants in a programme, and employees. Different assessment strategies such as initial, formative, summative and self- assessment are used for varying purposes.
Know different types of trams and their technical operating requirements. There are various forms of tram, such as cable-hauled, hybrid funicular electric, electric (trolley cars), gas trams, and trams powered by other means.
Oversee train equipment maintenance and rail security.
Practice emergency stops. Know the interchange with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), as this must be disabled before the execution of an emergency stop.
Identify the necessary resources needed for learning purposes, such as materials in class or arranged transportation for a field trip. Apply for the corresponding budget and follow up on the orders.
Observe traffic lights in tramway infrastructure, examine track conditions, area traffic, and prescribed speeds to ensure safety.
Understand passenger customs regulations; know which official documents or declaration forms are required from different kinds of passenger.
Follow signalling instructions throughout the journey. Comprehend the technical language used by signallers and adhere to instructions given by them.
Understand the mechanical composition of trams; have the ability to identify and report any damage or malfunction to central operations.
Operate tram controls and power switches with different operating systems. Manipulate forward and reverse motion by smooth application of power and braking.
Understand different modalities of transport such as air, sea, or intermodal freight transport. Specialise in one of the modalities and possess a deeper knowledge of the details and procedures of that modality.
Incorporate the use of online learning environments and platforms into the process of instruction.
Observe traffic signs, understand their meaning, and act accordingly in the tramway infrastructure.
Maintain discipline and engage students during instruction.
Understand the 3D-geometry used for track layouts, and in the design and construction of railway infrastructure.
Ensure that the necessary materials for teaching a class, such as visual aids, are prepared, up-to-date, and present in the instruction space.
Drive trams through urban areas; pick up and drop off passengers and freight.