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ATTAIN Bus Operator Mentorship Meeting
The Transit Workforce Center hosted a well-attended American Transit Training and Apprenticeship Innovators Network (ATTAIN) webinar on July 23. This webinar, offered as part of a series designed for peer discussion and support, focused on the operation and impact of bus operator mentorship and apprenticeship programs.
In these programs, new operators are paired with experienced drivers who serve as mentors. These mentors offer guidance, share their knowledge, and help new operators develop the skills needed to navigate both the professional and personal demands of the job. Many transit agencies report struggles with low retention rates and high rates of absenteeism among operators, and several agencies across the country have seen that mentorship results in improvements by providing operators with the support they need.
To illustrate these points and key program elements, Greater Richmond Transit Company (GRTC)/Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 1220 and Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District (MTD) participated in an engaging conversation with webinar participants. GRTC’s Manager of Employee Engagement, Ashley Mason, and ATU Local 1220’s Mentorship Coordinator and Financial Secretary, Wendy Tunstall, discussed the positive impact their labor-management partnerships has had on the program and its workforce benefits.
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ATTAIN session presenters: Top row (left to right)—Maurice Beard, Wendy Tunstall, Ashley Mason
Bottom row (left to right)—Valerie Campo, Karitsa Holdzkom
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MTD’s Mentor Program Coordinator, Valerie Campo, discussed MTD’s new model of mentorship to streamline day-to-day program management and increase the availability of mentors. MTD’s updated approach to its existing program utilizes a select number of mentors who will have dedicated time away from their regular duties as operators to mentor. The meeting ended with a lively Q&A session where presenters answered various questions on starting mentorship, implementing a program, and customizing it to fit agency structure and needs.
If you couldn't join the live event or would like to review highlights and materials from the meeting, check out the webinar recording and presentation slides available in the TWC Resource Center. For more information about apprenticeship, mentorship, or future ATTAIN meetings, visit TWC’s Apprenticeship and Mentorship page, or contact Karitsa Holdzkom at kholdzkom@transportcenter.org.
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Empowering Instructors: ITLC Delivers Train-the-Trainer at SEPTA
In early July, Facilitator Frank Burnett and Instructional Designer Brandon Liu delivered a week-long Train-the-Trainer Level 1 session at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) Headquarters in Philadelphia. The session consisted of six trainers, ranging from rail, bus operations, and subway-elevated, with varying levels of classroom, hands-on training, and field experience. Several participants were new to either a training position or had recently transferred to a new department.
Train-the-Trainer Level 1 is designed to build knowledge of adult learning theory and principles, enhancing effectiveness as an instructor through foundational methods, tools, and strategies for delivering training. It also includes an examination of classroom and hands-on training strategies, as well as multiple sessions of practice training deliveries to the class throughout the week.
Participant feedback emphasized their appreciation for the knowledge, skills, and ideas gained, and they were eager to begin implementation to build engaging activities and enhance current training content. One participant, who recently transitioned to a new instructor role, shared that he is eager to apply this new knowledge in an upcoming training class.
For more information regarding ITLC’s Train-the-Trainer courses, visit the updated Train-the-Trainer page on TWC's website, or contact Kristen Ribaudo at kribaudo@transportcenter.org.
| SEPTA Train-the-Trainer course instructors and participants | | |
Interested in Track Maintenance Training? We Want Your Input!
ITLC is currently exploring the creation of a new Track Maintenance Training Consortium and will be reaching out to industry partners to gauge interest. Similar to ITLC’s existing Rail Car, Signals, and Traction Power Consortiums, this new initiative will bring together transit agencies, labor partners, OEMs, consultants, and subject matter experts to collaboratively develop standardized, field-informed courseware tailored to the unique needs of track maintenance.
These national training consortiums operate by bringing together industry stakeholders who contribute their expertise to create practical, high-quality training materials. This collaborative approach ensures the content reflects current technologies, best practices, and the day-to-day realities of the workforce.
As ITLC begins to shape the vision and scope of this new consortium, it will form a short-term focus group to help identify key course topics and confirm the level of industry need. Whether you're directly involved in track work or support it through engineering, equipment, or training, your insights are valuable.
If your organization is interested in track maintenance training, or would like to participate in the focus group, please contact Kristen Ribaudo at kribaudo@transportcenter.org. For more information on ITLC’s Consortium work, visit the ITLC website.
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Sign up for Apprenticeship Program Office Hours
In honor of Labor Day, and to continue serving and supporting the public transportation industry in creating and strengthening apprenticeship programs across the country, TWC is hosting a series of virtual Apprenticeship Program Office Hours next month.
TWC’s experienced and knowledgeable team members will be available September 3–5 and 8–9, from 11 am–3 pm ET, to provide technical assistance to transit agencies and their partners interested in exploring, developing, expanding, and evaluating apprenticeship programs.
Sign up for a 30-minute slot during Apprenticeship Program Office Hours to speak with a TWC team member. If these dates or times don’t work for you, please email Karitsa Holdzkom at kholdzkom@transportcenter.org with your availability, and she will arrange an alternative time.
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