Dozens of frontline VTA employees celebrated a major achievement with their graduation from the VTA/ATU Joint Workforce Investment (JWI) Apprenticeship Program. The group includes 69 bus operators, four track workers and an overhead line worker. These graduates were awarded 18 college credits from Mission College in Santa Clara, possessing the skills and knowledge to meet the growing demands of modern transit and the future of public transportation in Santa Clara County and beyond.
VTA Assistant General Manager and CFO Greg Richardson took a moment to recognize the determination of these graduates in their long journey:
“I want to commend you for your perseverance in this job, your fortitude and your dedication to the service that so many people in our community depend on.”
This milestone marks the continued success of a groundbreaking partnership between VTA, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265, and Mission College. The JWI apprenticeship program, which started in 2008, is a national model for transit workforce development, setting the standard for how public transit agencies can attract, train, and retain talented workers.
Since its creation, the program has aimed to build a strong, sustainable workforce through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. VTA, ATU Local 265, and Mission College collaborate to offer apprentices a comprehensive 18-month to two-year long program. Under the guidance of an experienced VTA/ATU mentor, each apprentice completes 2,000 hours of hands-on experience, paired with academic coursework that earns them up to 18 college credits. The mentorship plays a key role in the program’s success. With experienced workers providing guidance and support to their newer colleagues, knowledge is passed down and future transit workers are set up for long-term success.
This education also opens up new career-advancement opportunities for those who join VTA in entry-level positions to potentially work their way into managerial positions.
Newly elected VTA Board Chair Sergio Lopez also addressed the graduates.
“I would like to thank ATU Local 265 for their role in this partnership to provide the opportunity for you all to grow your career at VTA, said Lopez. “This program is about offering you choices.”
The JWI apprenticeship program is also about creating a positive work environment for employees. The partnership between VTA and ATU Local 265 is designed to support the long-term health, wellness, and professional development of workers.
As the nation's first certified apprenticeship program for coach operators and mechanics, the JWI apprenticeship program has been referred to by many as the “gold standard” for the power of collaboration, innovation, and the importance of developing a skilled, dedicated workforce in the public transportation.
Congratulations to all the graduates—your hard work, devotion, and commitment to excellence will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the transit system and the communities you serve!