I am 19 years old, and I am currently taking certification courses at San Bernardino Valley College in the field of General Railroad Operations. I am the youngest person in the class. The courses are taught by three BNSF employees and one Metrolink employee. I recently applied to a conductor trainee position and was declined, while one of my classmates was invited to an interview. The only difference between us is that I am 19 and he is in his forties. I am wondering if I was turned down on basis of age, and if so, I am wondering if I have any chance of working for the railroad for the next few years.
What do your instructors (the BNSF employees) say about that?
I doubt if it was an age issue. If you really want this, don't give up because one person was chosen over you for some reason.