Conductors
What do they do?
Almost 800 conductors work at VR. Conductors are on the train for the benefit of customers. Their job is to ensure that the journey goes pleasantly from start to finish. They give advice to passengers and help them to make their connections. They inspect tickets and also sell them on the train. It is also the conductor’s job to make announcements during the journey.
Conductors make sure that travelling by train is safe. They and the driver make sure that passengers get on and off the train safely. They also help for example in lifting prams and heavy luggage onto the train. Conductors are responsible for seeing that the train stays clean and tidy during the journey and intervene when necessary in disturbances or other problems on the train.
What are the requirements?
Training for a conductor lasts about four months. The training includes theory and practical on-the-job training. The course takes place at the VR Training Centre in Pasila, Helsinki and in genuine work surroundings.
The work of a conductor is independent, variable and responsible. During the journey conductors are the partner of the train driver, but in the passenger area they often work on their own. In their work they must be able to make decisions independently, especially when something out of the ordinary takes place. Conductors are expected to be service-minded and to have a genuine desire to work with people.
Conductors work irregular shifts. Shifts may start and finish at any time of the day. Shifts, including breaks, last 6–12 hours.
What is the application process?
Application for conductor training is normally in February-March and August-September. More details about available jobs are given in the Job vacancies section.
Applicants for conductor training must be at least 18 years old, have good Finnish language skills, and also be able to manage fluently in customer service situations in English and Swedish. Other language skills are considered an advantage. Another important selection criterion is general good health. Good hearing, eyesight and colour vision are particularly important.
The information provided on the application forms is used to select some of the applicants for personal interviews, and some of these then go on for aptitude tests. The final selection is made on the basis of the information on the application forms, interviews, aptitude assessments and health checks.
The course is free and includes the teaching and materials. Students receive a free VR rail pass for journeys between their home and the place of study. Students are entitled to study grants from Kela, the Social Insurance Institution.
What are the opportunities?
Those who successfully complete the training obtain a permanent position with VR at the location mentioned in the job vacancy announcement. VR gives them the opportunity to develop into a highly skilled professional in the work of a conductor. As they gain experience and knowhow, conductors can apply for duties for example as consultants or work supervisors.
Almost 800 conductors work at VR. Conductors are on the train for the benefit of customers. Their job is to ensure that the journey goes pleasantly from start to finish. They give advice to passengers and help them to make their connections. They inspect tickets and also sell them on the train. It is also the conductor’s job to make announcements during the journey.
Conductors make sure that travelling by train is safe. They and the driver make sure that passengers get on and off the train safely. They also help for example in lifting prams and heavy luggage onto the train. Conductors are responsible for seeing that the train stays clean and tidy during the journey and intervene when necessary in disturbances or other problems on the train.
What are the requirements?
Training for a conductor lasts about four months. The training includes theory and practical on-the-job training. The course takes place at the VR Training Centre in Pasila, Helsinki and in genuine work surroundings.
The work of a conductor is independent, variable and responsible. During the journey conductors are the partner of the train driver, but in the passenger area they often work on their own. In their work they must be able to make decisions independently, especially when something out of the ordinary takes place. Conductors are expected to be service-minded and to have a genuine desire to work with people.
Conductors work irregular shifts. Shifts may start and finish at any time of the day. Shifts, including breaks, last 6–12 hours.
What is the application process?
Application for conductor training is normally in February-March and August-September. More details about available jobs are given in the Job vacancies section.
Applicants for conductor training must be at least 18 years old, have good Finnish language skills, and also be able to manage fluently in customer service situations in English and Swedish. Other language skills are considered an advantage. Another important selection criterion is general good health. Good hearing, eyesight and colour vision are particularly important.
The information provided on the application forms is used to select some of the applicants for personal interviews, and some of these then go on for aptitude tests. The final selection is made on the basis of the information on the application forms, interviews, aptitude assessments and health checks.
The course is free and includes the teaching and materials. Students receive a free VR rail pass for journeys between their home and the place of study. Students are entitled to study grants from Kela, the Social Insurance Institution.
What are the opportunities?
Those who successfully complete the training obtain a permanent position with VR at the location mentioned in the job vacancy announcement. VR gives them the opportunity to develop into a highly skilled professional in the work of a conductor. As they gain experience and knowhow, conductors can apply for duties for example as consultants or work supervisors.