A transportation inspector’s job entails inspecting transportation equipment and ensuring that it is in good working order and meets the requirements of a specific jurisdiction. The steps you’ll need to take to become a transportation inspector will likely vary depending on the type of transportation equipment you’ll be working with and the employer you apply with. However, many employers will expect you to work your way up to this position from other maintenance jobs. Some jobs may also require a college diploma or certificate, but many positions are open to well-qualified applicants with only a high school diploma. Some employers may also require you to have additional classroom training in the field of your choice.
The amount and type of education you’ll need will largely be determined by the requirements of the job you’re applying for. When applying for this job, almost all employers will expect you to have a high school diploma or a reasonable equivalent, such as a General Educational Development® (GED®) diploma. Some employers will give preference to candidates with a college diploma, and some may even require a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. Some aviation companies, for example, require a degree for this position.
To work as a transportation inspector, you may need additional education and training. This is often the case with aviation companies, which may require you to complete a year or two of air transportation training at a school that has been approved by a local air transportation authority. Working for a train or public transportation company may also require classroom and hands-on training. In most cases, this type of training is required in addition to on-the-job training. Certification is sometimes available as a result of training, which can be useful for some transportation inspector jobs.
Getting a job as a transportation inspector usually entails gaining experience and working your way up the ladder. Before you can qualify, you will most likely need to gain several years of experience and develop skill and expertise. You may need to work as an aviation mechanic for many years to qualify for this position with an aviation company, for example. However, to work for a public transportation company, you’ll need years of experience maintaining buses, trolleys, and subway trains. To become a transportation inspector, railroad train companies frequently require years of experience as a maintenance worker and then as a train signal worker.