UP
UP recently welcomed students from TRACC, a partnership between San Joaquin Regional Rail Commission and Sacrament City College, for an immersive experience at its Stockton yard, offering a behind-the-scenes look at rail operations and career paths in the industry.
“It was a good opportunity for the students to see equipment and learn how railroads operate,” said Jason Nalder, Senior Manager-Train Operations, Transportation. “It was their first time being in a yard and on a locomotive.”
The Engineering team led a session on track maintenance, while Mechanical team member Ray Herrera, manager-Mechanical Operations, explained car shop functions and common repairs.
The students practiced lacing air hoses and tying handbrakes, then observed how UP’s Engineering, Mechanical and Transportation teams work together to keep freight moving through an active yard.
“It was great to see local youth interested in the rail industry,” said Josh Howe, Senior Director-Mechanical Operations and a 17-year railroader. “It was exciting seeing them want to learn more.”
California State Sen. Jerry McNerney, representing District 5, addressed the group, emphasizing the rail industry’s significance to the state and national economy. Senator McNerney was invited by UP’s Public Affairs team, “furthering the railroad’s efforts to maintain strong working relationships with our state elected officials.”
In 2024, UP invested more than $433 million strengthening its California infrastructure and $578 million in in-state purchases. The Class I employs more than 3,200 employees in the state, offering family-supporting careers.
NS
NS recently partnered with the Atlanta Falcons and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for STEAM Day 2025 “to inspire the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
More than 500 Atlanta middle school students explored how Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics power the rail industry and what it takes to keep America moving.
Students even got a hands-on experience operating a train with NS’s locomotive simulator. Freddie Falcon couldn’t resist taking the controls for a spin too!
“Great things happen when we pull together. We’re proud to support programs that spark curiosity, fuel learning, and build the workforce of the future,” NS stated in an X post.
