BCCC Offering Locomotive Engineer Course

Ever dream of being a train engineer? Well Bucks County Community College can help make that dream a reality.

For the sixth year, Bucks County Community College’s Division of Continuing Education is offering a Locomotive Engineer and Conductor Basic Training Program.

According to school officials, the course is the only of its kind in the area.

The 65-hour introductory course prepares students to enter a training program to become an engineer or conductor on a freight or passenger rail line.

“There’s no other course in the area that can prepare you for this field,” says instructor Mark Mattis, a senior training specialist with NJ Transit. “Students will learn railroad operating rules, air brake theory, locomotive operation, and more, plus how to interview and apply for a training program.”

Mattis said those who complete the course will have an advantage over other applicants for a railroad’s training program. Once accepted, engineers can earn a training salary of between $40,000 and $50,000 a year, according to Mattis. After training and certification, which takes about two years, salaries range from $60,000 to more than $100,000 a year, Mattis said.

Mattis will be available to answer questions about the course from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m. April 15 and April 22. The free information sessions take place on the Newtown Campus. To register, call 215-968-8409.

The Locomotive Engineer and Conductor Basic Training Program meets twice a week (Saturday and Tuesday) from May 4 to June 25 at the Newtown campus. Tuition is $365 (plus textbook).

To register, visit www.bucks.edu/con-ed or call 215-968-8409.