72403
Railway carmen/women
- Express Entry skill level
- Yes
- Regulated in Québec
- No
- In demand in Manitoba
- No
Classification
Trades, transport & equipment operators
7 › 72 › 724 › 7240
Definition
Railway carmen/women inspect, troubleshoot, maintain and repair structural and mechanical components of railway freight, passenger and urban transit rail cars. They are employed by railway transport companies and urban transit systems. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main duties
- 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.
Example job titles
- •rail vehicle mechanic
- •railway car inspector
- •railway carman/woman
- •railway carman/woman apprentice
- •streetcar and subway car mechanic
Overview
Under the National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 system, railway carmen/women are classified under NOC code 72403. This occupation falls under TEER Category 2, making skilled workers in this field eligible for key Canadian immigration pathways, including the Express Entry system under the Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP) and various Provincial Nominee Programs (PNPs). These professionals play a vital role in Canada's transportation infrastructure by inspecting, repairing, and maintaining passenger, freight, and transit railway cars.
To qualify under NOC 72403, applicants must demonstrate they can perform the core duties established by Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Typical responsibilities include performing scheduled maintenance, troubleshooting mechanical and electrical systems, and testing air brakes and other safety components. Generally, completion of secondary school alongside a three- to four-year apprenticeship program, or a combination of several years of work experience in the trade and industry training, is required to meet Canadian standards.
Prospective immigrants must also fulfill language proficiency benchmarks and obtain an Educational Credential Assessment (ECA) where applicable. Securing a valid job offer or obtaining a provincial nomination can significantly increase an applicant's Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, streamlining the path to permanent residency. Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For official guidelines, please consult Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Educational overview summarizing this occupation. Always confirm against the official NOC profile and IRCC before relying on it.
Occupation data: Statistics Canada / ESDC — National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021.