This course is approved by the Kansas Board of Regents for guaranteed transfer among all Kansas Regents public postsecondary institutions. Additional courses may also be eligible for transfer. Please visit a JCCC counselor or the JCCC Registrar's office, and the Transfer Kansas portal to learn more.
Courses
RRT 100 Introduction to the Railroad Industry (2 Hours)
This course will provide Railroad Operation majors instruction in the railroad industry from pre-employment to retirement. Current and relevant legal, ethical issues, workplace safety, team management and problem-solving skills important to the railroad industry are covered. Professional branding through social media, resume and cover letter will be produced. Self-promotion, networking, job searches and interview skills will also be covered.
RRT 291 Independent Study* (1-7 Hour)
Prerequisites : 2.0 GPA minimum and department approval.
Independent study is a directed, structured learning experience offered as an extension of the regular curriculum. It is intended to allow individual students to broaden their comprehension of the principles of and competencies associated with the discipline or program. Its purpose is to supplement existing courses with individualized, in-depth learning experiences. Such learning experiences may be undertaken independent of the traditional classroom setting, but will be appropriately directed and supervised by regular instructional staff. Total contact hours vary based on the learning experience.
RRT 100
- Title: Introduction to the Railroad Industry
- Number: RRT 100
- Effective Term: 2026-27
- Credit Hours: 2
- Contact Hours: 2
- Lecture Hours: 2
Description:
This course will provide Railroad Operation majors instruction in the railroad industry from pre-employment to retirement. Current and relevant legal, ethical issues, workplace safety, team management and problem-solving skills important to the railroad industry are covered. Professional branding through social media, resume and cover letter will be produced. Self-promotion, networking, job searches and interview skills will also be covered.
Textbooks:
http://bookstore.jccc.edu/Supplies:
Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.Objectives
- Demonstrate knowledge of the railroad industry skills needed for a career in transportation.
- Explore skills employees seek to be effective in the railroad industry.
- Examine appropriate workplace behaviors in the transportation industry.
- Analyze the importance of safety in the workplace.
- Identify railroad agencies, trade groups, classes of railroads and their governing bodies.
- Investigate career paths of a railroad employee from pre-employment to retirement.
- Identify career opportunities, aptitude tests, assessments, job descriptions and requirements of railroad careers.
- Apply technology to create a professional online profile, generate a job profile and complete job applications.
Content Outline and Competencies:
I. Railroad Knowledge
A. Identify classes of railroads.
B. Explore various types of railroads: freight, transit, passenger, high-speed rail, trolley, streetcar.
C. Research history of the railroad from development of transcontinental toe 3PL, logistics and supply chain.
II. Employee Skills
A. Examine physical skills and strength tests used.
B. Identify types of hearing and vision tests required for various jobs in the railroad.
C. Explore railroad aptitude tests used among railroads and rail contractors.
D. Describe strength tests and mechanical aptitude tests.
III. Workplace Behavior
A. Identify inappropriate workplace behaviors, including harassment, bullying and safety violations, and procedures for addressing such behaviors.
B. Examine workplace behaviors including proper attitude, responsibility, adherence to safety culture, punctuality, teamwork, time management and effort.
C. Recognize the importance and capitalize on workplace diversity, teamwork and community.
IV. Railroad Safety
A. Identify the 6 critical exposures to assess potential hazards and ways to mitigate hazards.
B. Prepare a list of personal protective equipment (PPE) items required in various workplace situations.
C. Gather information needed in a job safety briefing.
D. Hold a job safety briefing for a railyard and a lab/classroom situation.
V. Rail and Regulatory Agencies
A. Explore railroad agencies.
B. Identify trade groups, contractors and partnerships in the railroad industry.
C. Describe regulatory agencies and their roles with the railroad.
VI. Career Path
A. Identify various careers in the industry.
B. Explore qualities that are valued for the railroad.
C. Examine hiring guidelines used in the industry.
D. Examine work environment, schedules, probational period, on-the-job training and seniority.
E. Use case studies to define why employees are dismissed.
VII. Career Opportunities
A. Participate in career assessments that identify strengths.
B. Participate in aptitude tests used in the industry.
C. Analyze background checks, hiring process, conditional offers.
VIII. Personal Branding and Networking
A. Develop a professional online network.
B. Demonstrate successful interviewing techniques.
C. Produce a professional resume, reference page and cover letter.
Method of Evaluation and Competencies:
40-60% Weekly Quizzes
35-45% Final Resume
5-10% Class Participation
Total 100%
Grade Criteria:
90 - 100% = A80 - 89% = B
70 - 79% = C
60 - 69% = D
0 - 59% = F
Caveats:
Student Responsibilities:
Disabilities:
JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you are a student with a disability and if you are in need of accommodations or services, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services and make a formal request. To schedule an appointment with an Access Advisor or for additional information, you may send an email or call Access Services at (913)469-3521. Access Services is located on the 2nd floor of the Student Center (SC 202).