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Rail traffic controller
Become a rail traffic controller with BLS now – start your further training
Using modern and fully automated control systems, as a rail traffic controller you’ll guarantee trouble-free and safe railway operations. You’ll monitor and control the rail traffic in the rail network entrusted to you and correctly set the switches and signals. You’ll be in contact with your team as well as train, locomotive and shunting staff. Thanks to your careful direction, people and goods will reach their destination safely, reliably and on time.
How you can impress us
You are an independent, reliable person and have:
- completed a 3-year vocational training course or attained a Matura school-leaving certificate
- a strong sense of safety and responsibility
- a positive attitude towards irregular working hours and teamwork
- good health and good eyesight and hearing (no red-green colour blindness)
- very good knowledge of German (level C1)
- good knowledge of French (level A2)
How we can impress you
Once you have successfully completed your training, you will join BLS directly as a rail traffic controller, with a permanent contract on a part-time or full-time basis, whichever you prefer. BLS transports people and goods around the clock, 365 days a year. Thanks to a well-planned rota, you can organise your free time flexibly. Your replacement is guaranteed, so you can switch off at the end of your shift and enjoy the rest of your evening.
Although procedures are clearly laid out and you follow checklists when an incident occurs, no two days are the same. If you enjoy embracing new situations and taking on responsibility, this career is the perfect fit for you.
Later on, you can take on additional responsibilities – for example, in system administration or as a trainer. You also have the option of pursuing a specialist or management career, for example as a dispatcher, team leader or planning specialist.
Training and salary
During the modular, full-time training over 12 months, you are employed at BLS and benefit from our practical training plan. In the Spiez operations centre, you gain practical experience; at the education and training facility, you simulate different scenarios and consolidate your knowledge in a group of learners. Experienced, competent trainers provide you with constant support. You prove your knowledge and abilities in a final exam, which has both theoretical and practical parts.
During your training, you will receive an annual salary of between 55,000 and 80,000 Swiss francs, depending on your age. BLS also covers all the costs of the further training. The terms of the agreement stipulate that, in return, you must commit to working for BLS for three years. Once you have successfully completed your training, your starting annual salary will be between 67,000 and 95,000 Swiss francs (on a full-time basis and depending on your age). Allowances for irregular working hours and Sunday work are also payable. Further pay rises are guaranteed as you gain more professional experience.
Your employment package
Once you have successfully completed your training, you can benefit from attractive employment conditions. Here are just a few of the advantages:
- We promote maximum flexibility in the planning of your shifts and rotas.
- Get a 2nd-class GA or a Half-Fare travelcard. International discounts after one year.
- You have free time when others are working. There are additional payments for night and weekend shifts.
- It is possible to purchase an additional five to ten days’ holiday per year.
- Financial support is available for external training courses, and there is an exciting range of in-house learning and training programmes on offer.
- We support your health with seasonal events and courses.
You can find all the benefits for you here.
Your next steps
Unfortunately, you are a little too late for the 2026 course. We recommend subscribing to the job newsletter so that you will be automatically informed when a new course is advertised. A new course is expected to start in 2027. We look forward to hearing from you!
Your training as a rail traffic controller
Find out here how Sandrine and other train dispatchers-in-training are getting on with their training:
Rail traffic controller at BLS: A good choice
Bruno, Rail traffic controller
I keep a close eye on the timetable for rail services and am responsible for ensuring that safety and punctuality go reliably hand in hand. Every day has its share of surprises, big and small, and calls for flexibility and precision on my part – which I value.
Daniel, Operations technician
I have been working for BLS in various roles for over 20 years. I began my career as an overhead line technician, continued as a train driver and progressed to my current role as an operations technician, where I contribute to the safe and reliable running of rail services every day.
Ivo, Rail traffic controller
My fascination with everyday life on the railways, working alongside my colleagues and our shared contribution to safe and punctual transport have been a constant source of inspiration and motivation throughout my 35 years at BLS.
Nadja, Dispatcher / rail traffic controller
In my view, public transport is the future of the transport sector, and I find it motivating to be part of it. The working environment is particularly motivating, characterised by mutual respect, team spirit and continuous professional development.
Become part of our strong team now
