The Railway Conductor (RWCD) program has been designed and developed in cooperation with the railway industry under the guidance of an Industry Steering Committee comprised of representatives from railway companies in Canada. Conductors work as members of a train crew in either road or yard service. Conductors are involved with switching cars, making or splitting up trains in yards, or moving cars between yards, sidings or tracks according to instructions originating with yard and train planners. The role of the Conductor is an important link between customer satisfaction and maintaining efficient operations.
The program is 17 weeks long (1 term). The program is presented in a combination of classroom instructions, hands-on application through the use of lab facilities and work site visits, and a one week practicum. For more information regarding the program, please contact 604-451-6838 or attend monthly Info Sessions.
program entry
Entrance requirements
English or Communications 12 and any Math 11, or BCIT Trades Pre-entry Test for English and Math. For further information on the Trades Pre-entry Test, please contact 604-451-6832.
Potential students with medical or physical disabilities should contact the Disabilities Resource Centre to arrange an interview with the Institute's rehabilitation specialist at 604-451-6963.
Continual intake program with applications processed throughout the year. Applications are wait-listed (first-come, first-served).
costs & supplies
Tuition fees
Please see the Fees, Payments and Refunds section of the website for more information on full-time tuition fees.
Books and supplies
Books and supplies costs (including personal protective clothing) are approximately $725
Hotel at $35 per night for 4 nights (during practicum)
(general estimated cost and subject to change)
courses
Class hours
08:30 - 15:00 (half an hour lunch break) Monday through Friday
Note: The established hours of instruction are 08:30 to 15:00 but the scheduling of academic courses, field trips and practicum may require some activity to be scheduled outside of the established hours.
Program matrix
Required Courses:
Credits
RWCD 1020
Introduction to Computers
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to use computer applications for file management, word processing, spreadsheets, presentations, Internet and e-mail.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed for effective oral and written communication in the railway industry.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to cope with challenging personal and work situations; maintain physical and emotional well-being; and enjoy a successful career within the railway industry.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding of basic railway operations and practical skills needed to deal effectively, efficiently, and professionally with clients and co-workers in the railway industry.
A course designed to familiarize you with the role and responsibilities of conductors as well as the knowledge, skills, and attributes needed to be effective.
A course designed to familiarize you with the main infrastructure of the railway industry, as well as its history, evolution, and interaction with other industries.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to perform pre-departure and enroute inspections of trains and equipment in accordance with regulations.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding of fundamental business principles for making operating decisions. You will also be introduced to how Canadian railways position themselves in a competitive transportation industry and how employees contribute to the success of their business operations.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to observe track signs and signals, for the operation of railway equipment.
A course designed to familiarize you with organizational concepts and interpersonal skills needed for effective leadership, management, evaluation, and supervision of employees.
A course is designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills related to employee and employer relationship, expectations and responsibilities and to prepare you for employment in the labour market.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to inspect and test air brake equipment in accordance with pre-departure and enroute procedures and regulations.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to inspect and test air brake equipment in accordance with pre-departure and enroute procedures and regulations.
A course designed to provide you with the opportunity to apply your learning from classroom instruction within a safe environment. Each practicum takes place in a yard setting and will simulate real working conditions.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed for proper documentation and record keeping in accordance with the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR).
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed for the safe handling and transportation of dangerous goods in accordance with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations.
A course designed to provide you with the theoretical understanding and practical skills needed to create, manage, and work within a team environment for a safe and commercially efficient train operation.
Do you have credits from another BC/Yukon post-secondary school? Do you want to know if
they transfer to courses here at BCIT? Check out BCIT's
Transfer Equivalency Database to find out.
program details
Program length
17 weeks
Grading
Student learning is evaluated throughout the program. To complete the program, the minimum passing grade is 70% in each course, except RWCD 1050 and RWCD 1052 for which the minimum passing grade is 80%. To qualify for graduation, students must pass all courses.
Program location
Great Northern Way Campus
555 Great Northern Way
Vancouver, BC V5T 1E2
graduating & jobs
Job Opportunities
The railway industry overall will be facing rates of retirement turnover as high as 70% over the next 8 to 10 years which will result in a demand for graduates. BCIT's Railway Conductor program prepares graduates for employment in Class 1 railways in North America, and also shortlines and regional carriers:
For a full list of potential employers, please visit the Railway Association of Canada's employment listings.
Graduates can expect good salaries in the average range of $45,000 - $65,000 per year, and opportunities for advancement to positions of greater responsibility.
The following link takes you to graduate outcome survey results containing mostly labour market results from the 2005-2007 BCIT Outcomes Surveys of 2004-2006 Graduates. Note: The survey results will be displayed in a separate browser window. To view these results, you need to have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed in your Web browser.
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As BCIT strives to keep our programs current, programs and courses are subject to change without notice.
