View unit group

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

• Inspect interior and exterior components of freight, passenger and urban transit rail cars to determine defects and extent of wear and damage
• Repair and install railway car parts such as compressors, air valves, bearings, couplings, air cylinders and piping
• Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems
• Repair defective or damaged metal and wood components, using hand and power tools
• Repair and repaint wooden fixtures
• Replace damaged windows and repair upholstery
• Test and adjust parts using testing gauges and other test equipment
• Perform and document routine maintenance.

• Completion of secondary school is usually required.
• Completion of an industry-offered apprenticeship program or three to four years of on-the-job training is usually required.
• Trade certification is available, but voluntary, in Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.

• Progression to supervisory positions is possible with experience.

• Locomotive mechanics (in 7312 Heavy-duty equipment mechanics)
• Railway car repairer foremen/women (in 7301 Contractors and supervisors, mechanic trades)