(The following article by Teresa Wickens was posted on the North Platte Telegraph website on September 6.)
NORTH PLATTE, Neb. — A new hiring effort for Union Pacific is a success, according to Bailey Yard Superintendent Cameron Scott.
Scott reported the railroad had 32 new hires in August, exceeding its goal of 20 to 30 new employees a month.
In July, U.P. began offering general information sessions at North Platte Community College from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays. After the information sessions, Scott said those who want to apply are taken to the computer room and helped with the application process.
“Those applications are reviewed by staff in Omaha and if accepted, asked to return Thursday for an interview,” he said.
“I know of one person who applied, waited at the college and checked his status a short time later only to find out he was accepted for a Thursday interview,” Scott said.
Scott said the Wednesday-Thursday process has taken much of the mystery out of the process of applying to work at the railroad.
“Anyone can refer an employee to the railroad, then tell someone to go out to the college on Wednesdays,” he said.
An average of 60 to 90 people have gone out to the college every Wednesday to listen to the presentation, and according to Scott, many stay and apply for jobs with the railroad.
“We’re seeing people from all across the board apply for a job,” he said.
In July, Scott announced the railroad would be hiring 25 to 30 transportation employees every month through the end of the year and possibly into the early part of next year.
“The train service department is the largest department with 2,200 employees,” Scott said.
Scott said a high school diploma isn’t required, but the railroad prefers at least a high school education.
The manager ranks will also need to be filled as managers retire, and Scott said about 200 new managers are being hired right off the college campuses.
“We have five or six of our managers who are actively pursuing their bachelor’s degree and one is working towards his master’s degree,” Scott said.
He said there are a number of ways an employee can continue his or her education while working for the railroad.
“We provide tuition assistance and are working with on-line universities and community colleges to allow our employees to go back to school,” he said.
Hiring fairs will be conducted in Scottsbluff Monday and Tuesday. There will be no Wednesday program in North Platte on Sept. 13 and 20. All-day career fairs will be in North Platte on Sept. 22 and 23.