Since Sept. 26, Bucks has been
running a train conducting course
that will help prepare students for
high paying jobs in the rapidly
growing transportation industry.
Mark Mattis, a senior train and
engine training specialist and former
Bucks student, is teaching the
locomotive and conductor basic
training program.
“The railroad industry is expanding
due to growth in the shipping,
construction and commuter
railroad industries, as well as
President Obama’s plans for a
high-speed rail,” said Mattis.
“The locomotive and conductor
basic training program gives students
an opportunity to see inside
the railroad industry. After completion
of the course, students can
see if they are suited for a particular
craft such as Locomotive Engineering,
Conducting, Train
Dispatching, or Operating. Or
possibly being a Yardmaster or
Management Trainee,” Mattis
said.
“Engineers can earn a training
salary between $40,000 and
$50,000 a year. After training and
certification, salaries range from
$60,000 to $100,000 a year,” said
Mattis in a press release.
The Locomotive and Conductor
Basic Training Program is an
eight-week course. In that time,
students will learn the basics of
train conducting and will acquire
their locomotive engineer certification.
Mattis has been working for
New Jersey Transit since 1986.
He has also been a locomotive engineer
since1994. This is the first time Mattis has
ever taught a college course. “I have been
a designated supervisor of locomotive engineers instructing engineers and conductors as part of N.J.
Transit since 1999,” Mattis said.
“I designed the class in 2007
after determining the railroad industry
needed to hire pre-trained
people. Due to service expansion,
retirements and changes to the
Hours of Service Act, new employees
will need to be hired,”
Mattis said.
Mattis has noticed an increased
interest in the railroad industry. “A
lot of people are out of work, and
positions in the industry are very
appealing, due to the fact that the
industry is growing,” Mattis said.
“The cost to build new highways
is very high compared to the
lower cost to build commuter railroads.
Also, the cost of fuel is too
high to move freight by truck,”
Mattis said.
“For example, a 140 car freight
train can carry the same cargo as
250 trucks on the highway. Saving
thousands of gallons of fuel and
reducing harmful emissions created
by 250 diesel engines,” Mattis
said.
Mattis feels that it would be in
people’s best interest to get involved
with the railroad industry.
“Most people who enter the industry
make a career of it, due to
the job security, competitive
salaries and benefits,”Mattis said.
“Those who complete the course
will have an advantage over other
applicants applying for new openings
in the railroad industry.”
“Students will have a thorough
understanding of railroad operations,
infrastructure, equipment,
operating rules, job interview tips
and resume tips. They can apply
this information in an interview
process,” Mattis said.
The Locomotive and Conductor
Basic Training Program runs until
Nov. 17 on the Newtown campus.
The class meets twice a week in
Penn Hall.