Resource Center

Session materials from Making Connections 2022 are hosted on the TWC Resource Center. Please click here to view all related materials. A PDF copy of the conference schedule is linked below.

Opening Video: 

Recap Video: 

Making Connections Conference Schedule

Session Summary: As transit agencies integrate zero-emission technologies into their fleet, many are experiencing difficulties in preparing their frontline workforce to properly maintain and operate the equipment. In this workshop, panelists explored lessons learned, best practices, and available resources to upskill their technician and maintenance workforce and prepare the future frontline workers to safely and effectively work with ZEB technologies. Presentations by industry experts, early-adopters, and successful rollouts offered insight for an audience seeking guidance on first steps and follow-through.

Moderators

• James Hall: Program Manager, Technical Training – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center
• Lisa Jerram: Director of Bus Operations and New Vehicle Technologies – American Public Transportation Association

Speakers

• Joseph Gamez: Assistant Chief Maintenance Officer Maintenance Training – New York City Transit, Department of Buses
• Walter Kirkland: Service Manager – StarMetro Tallahassee
• Obed Mejia: Senior Bus Equipment Instructor – Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority

Engines to Inverters Session Slides

Session Summary: This session featured cutting-edge partnership strategies that advance diversity, equity, inclusion, and access while strengthening recruitment and retention. Representatives from transit labor and management, education, and national and local transit supporters and stakeholders provided a range of perspectives, while discussing innovative programs and initiatives along with their positive outcomes.

Moderator

• Jess Guerra: Executive Director, Transportation Workforce Institute – Los Angeles Trade Technical College

Speakers

• Mona Babauta: Deputy General Manager – Golden Gate Transit
• Rich Diaz: Golden Gate Transit Mentor Coordinator – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1575
• Meghna Khanna: Senior Director, Systemwide Team, Mobility Corridors – Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority
• Judy Shanley: Director – National Center for Mobility Management; Assistant Vice-President, Education & Youth Transition Programs, Easter Seals Director – National Center for Mobility Management
• Tracy Spikes: Workforce Development Program Manager – Central Ohio Transit Authority
• John Tkach: Executive Director – Keystone Development Partnership
• Jarvis Williams: President – Transport Workers Union Local 208

Out of the Box Strategies Session Slides

Session Summary: From Adult Learning Theory to measurable learning objectives to learning models that are proven to enhance understanding and retention – the highly interactive Transit Instructional Systems Design Boot Camp was designed to help participants gain a basic working knowledge of the full ISD process. Based on Chuck Hodell’s best-selling book, ISD From the Ground Up, this session introduced transit trainers and managers to the widely-used and theory-supported system of instructional design practice that provides the foundation for today’s transit classroom and field instruction.

Moderator

• Julie Deibel-Pundt: Program Director, Instructional Design – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center

Speakers

• Dennise Cardona: Digital Content Manager – University of Maryland Baltimore County
• Chuck Hodell: Affiliate Professor – University of Maryland School of Pharmacy; Faculty Lecturer – Northeastern University; Academic Advisor – International Masonry Training and Education Foundation

Transit Instructional Systems Design Boot Camp Session Slides Handout - Characteristics of Adult Learners Handout - Learning Objective Verbs Handout - 9 Events of Instruction

Session Summary: Apprenticeship programs create a foundation for strong, effective workforce development programs. The ability to build and sustain these programs requires strong labor-management partnerships, or, in the case of nonunion agencies, ongoing involvement of, and management engagement with, the frontline workforce. In this session, panelists from a diverse group of transit agencies presented examples of challenges met and lessons learned as they designed and implemented their apprenticeship programs. Attendees heard how apprenticeship can support a variety of frontline transit occupations and the benefits that apprenticeship offers.

Moderator

• Jamaine “G” Gibson: Director of Apprenticeships and Workforce Development – Amalgamated Transit Union

Speakers

• Dexter Bishop: Elevator/Escalator Journeyman – Amalgamated Transit Union/Local 689
• Stephanie Deiger: Chief Human Resources Officer – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
• Brian Funk: Chief Operating Officer and Deputy General Manager – MetroTransit Minneapolis
• Michael Hanssen: Supervisor of Technical Skills Training – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
• Alec Johnson: Bus Operator Apprenticeship Coordinator – MetroTransit Minneapolis/Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1005

Growing Your Own Through Apprenticeship Session Slides

Session Summary: A headline issue confronting all transit systems today – how to attract and retain bus operators in a tight labor market. This lively session began with presentations from the TCRP F-28 research team and TransitCenter on their recently published national research findings on recruiting, developing and retaining transit bus operators.  Labor and management industry practitioners from multiple locations then shared their recruitment approaches and strategies that have been most effective on the ground, and TWC staff summarized the National Transit Frontline Worker Recruitment Campaign.

Moderator

• Rob Puentes: President and CEO – The Eno Center for Transportation

Speakers

• Julia Castillo: Executive Director – Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency
• James Duff: Assistant Vice President, Human Resources – Dallas Area Rapid Transit
• Jeff Hazen: Executive Director – Sunset Empire Transportation District
• Steve Jovel: Transportation Superintendent – Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
• Robin Phillips: Executive Director – National Rural Transit Assistance Program
• Harpreet Singh: JWI Director – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265
• David Stephen: Senior Communications Specialist – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center
• Chris Van Eyken: Program Manager – TransitCenter

Driving Bus Operator Recruitment and Retention Session Slides ISU Returning Citizens Presentation Slides

Session Summary: This workshop covered the basic building blocks of program design. Participants evaluated the pieces needed to develop a robust program that enables trainers to link good program design to effective classroom and on-the-job learning. This workshop was relevant to those looking to build new programs or refine current programs.

Moderator

• Grant Young: Instructional Systems Design Consultant – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center

Speakers

• Mike Glaeser: Manager, Bus Maintenance Training – Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority
• Colleen May: Senior Director of Training – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
• Danielle Wallace: Apprenticeship and Pathways Manager – King County Metro Transit

Designing an Impactful Training Program Session Slides