How to become a switchman?

To become a switchman, you must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and complete on-the-job training. Most railroad companies prefer applicants with previous experience at a railyard or military training. You often perform your duties outside, so you need to be able to work in all weather conditions. Your responsibilities include manually moving equipment, connecting train cars, and operating track switches, so you need the physical ability to perform such tasks. Most employers ask new hires to undergo a medical and physical exam before they begin their job.