Career + Professional Development — Locomotive Engineer + Conductor

Locomotive Engineer + Conductor Basic Training Program

Career Tracks in the Railroad Industry

In partnership with NJ Transit and Amtrak, Bucks County Community College is offering career tracks in the railroad industry. Our 12-week Locomotive Engineer + Conductor Basic Training Program will put you on the path towards a rewarding career in the Transportation Industry.

As one of the fastest growing industries in the country today, the highly skilled crafts of Locomotive Engineer and Conductor are in great demand. Whether you are looking for a good salary, job security or a challenging career, the Transportation Industry in the region and beyond has numerous employment opportunities available. Careers in this field include engineers, conductors, dispatchers, track workers, signal maintainers, ticket agents, technology experts, and others. This course is designed to prepare you for pre-employment as a Locomotive Engineer or Conductor candidate at a public transportation provider or freight railroad.

Request More Information

Course ID	Tuition	Location	Dates	Time
WTMCO-1153-C50	$1,099	Newtown	Sat. Feb. 7–April 18, 2026	8 a.m.–4 p.m.

Course Description

The goal of this course is to help accelerate your chances of employment in the Transportation Industry as a Locomotive Engineer or Conductor and also prepare you for a railroad’s training academy once employed. The subjects that will be covered include, but are not limited to:

Introduction to the Railroad industry
Review: Career opportunities in the Railroad Industry, Policies, advantages and disadvantages
Detailed descriptions of the crafts of Locomotive Engineer and Conductor
Communication: Radio, face-to-face, fax, and phone
Rail Operations Procedure, Safety, and Rules
NORAC and other Railroad Operating Rules
Hours of Service regulations
Duties and Responsibilities of Locomotive Engineers and Conductors
Signal System: hand signals and train movement
Review: certification for Locomotive Engineer, Conductor, and Dispatcher
Yard switching Operations both freight and Passenger
Hazmat Material: Class, Group, practices and handling rules

Financial Assistance

Scholarships are available for students who require financial assistance to help with the cost of the Locomotive Engineer & Conductor Basic Training Program, thanks to the generosity of the Justamere Foundation. Limited funds are awarded on a rolling, first-come, first-served basis.

The program is also eligible for the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan®.

Request More Information

About the Instructor

Thomas A. Philip, Ph.D., has 24 years of railroad experience in a variety of roles in both union and management. He began his railroad career as a freight conductor, working in road, local and yard settings, where he was qualified in operating and hazmat rules. Philip joined the United Transportation Union (UTU) and maintained his membership throughout his career.

After gaining foundational railroad experience, he was promoted to yardmaster, a position he held for 17 years. During that time, he earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics from Drexel University and a Master of Business Administration from Strayer University. He later completed a Doctor of Philosophy degree at Capella University.

After earning his doctorate, Philip accepted a position as control center manager (train dispatcher), where he became qualified on NORAC rules. Two years later, he was promoted to senior operations planner and later to manager of long-range planning. In July 2021, he joined NJ Transit as manager of train operations.