Traffic controller, railway traffic
A traffic controller controls train traffic according to a pre-planned schedule and anticipates possible dangers and disruptions. In addition, their duties include communicating with train drivers and track work units. Some traffic controllers may also work in track maintenance and in rail yards. You need to be responsible and have self-initiative skills, rapid reaction skills, as well as good co-operation and communication skills.
Rail transport is steered by companies such as Fintraffic and VR in Finland.
The work of a traffic controller is independent and responsible, as the purpose of the work is to ensure the smooth operation of traffic within the given timetable and passenger safety. You must master the safety devices for train traffic and the regulations concerning traffic. A special feature of the work is the geographical management of rail transport.
In the work of a traffic controller, you need customer-oriented thinking and good co-operation and communication skills. You must work well with different kinds of people.
The profession requires self-initiative. You must be able to quickly make independent, well-considered decisions. You are required to have good stress tolerance, especially in disruption situations.
You should also have good health and an ability to adapt to shift work.
Rail traffic controllers are trained by Fintraffic and rail yard traffic controllers by Kouvola Railway and Adult Education Company (KRAO).
The qualification requirements vary depending on whether the applicant is seeking to become a rail traffic controller or a rail yard traffic controller. You can find further information on qualification requirements on the training provider's website.
Median salary
4378 €/mo
Private sector
4378 €/mo
The data is based on the median income, meaning the amount of salary which is the middle of the salary amounts arranged in order of magnitude.
Source: Statistics Finland's structural statistics on wages and salaries