Resource Center

The Transit Workforce Center is pleased to host a curated collection of publications and other materials to assist stakeholders engaged in transit workforce development. The Resource Center includes case studies, training materials, research reports, and other materials of interest, including publications produced by federal government agencies, transit organizations, and independent research entities. Resources may be filtered by topic, resource type, and transit mode. This TWC blog post explains how to use the Resource Center.

We are continuing to update the Resource Center regularly. Please contact us via the Request Help menu option if you would like assistance using the Resource Center or are looking for resources on a particular topic. We also welcome suggestions of topics or specific resources to add.

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National Apprenticeship Resource Hub

Apprenticeship Programs can help employers develop their future workforce and meet their business needs. The National Apprenticeship Resource Hub includes National Occupational Frameworks which can help develop a new apprenticeship program or refine an existing program. Each framework outlines the basic information sponsors need to register an apprenticeship program in their occupation.

The Urban Institute

December 2024

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The National Apprenticeship Resource Hub includes Occupational Frameworks which can help develop a new apprenticeship program or refine an existing program. Each framework outlines the basic information sponsors need to register an apprenticeship program in their occupation including an occupational overview that describes the occupation, alternative job titles, and any prerequisites; a work process schedule that outlines what organizations can expect apprentices to learn on the job and the required hours; and a related technical instruction outline that presents considerations for courses and training apprentices can pursue during the apprenticeship. The National Occupational Frameworks also include detailed instructions on how to use them when creating your registration application.

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Project ACCESS: Accelerating Career Connections and Employment Success Strategies

Administering Organization: Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the PwC Foundation

Posted Date: Nov. 14, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: Jan. 17, 2025

Estimated Total Program Funding: $300,000

Geographic Scope: National

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Administering Organization: Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the PwC Foundation

Posted Date: November 14, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: January 17, 2025

Estimated Total Program Funding: $300,000

Geographic Scope: National

Description: Jobs for the Future (JFF), with support from the PwC Foundation, is creating and supporting a cohort of 10 exemplary community and technical colleges in accelerating innovative programs that effectively connect learners—especially those facing systemic barriers, such as learners who identify as Black or Latine, women of all backgrounds, learners from low-income households and first-generation postsecondary education students—with paid work-based learning opportunities and quality jobs. Each college that is selected for this opportunity will receive $300,000 over a two-year period. Colleges will be expected to utilize these funds to strengthen, expand, and scale effective programming, enhance data collection and analysis, and share leading practices across a national network of innovative institutions.

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Making Connections 2024 – The College Connection: Strategies for Effective Partnerships

This session about partnerships between transit and local colleges was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2024 transit workforce conference in November, 2024.

Transit Workforce Center

November 2024

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Session Description: Strong partnerships between transit and local colleges across the country currently support recruitment, retention, apprenticeships and other career advancement initiatives developed by agencies and their workforce partners. Presenters in this session reviewed and discussed several different models of industry-education partnerships, focusing on how to establish productive working relationships with local colleges to advance workforce development goals.

Moderator:

  • Patricia Greenfield: Senior Director, Workforce Education – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

Speakers:

  • Jamaine “G” Gibson: Director of Apprenticeships and Workforce Development – Amalgamated Transit Union
  • Jason Abbott: Executive Director, Workforce Operations – Cuyahoga Community College
  • Celeste Chavis: Interim Chair and Professor, Transportation & Urban Infrastructure Studies – Morgan State University (Baltimore)
  • Rich Diaz: Workforce Development Coordinator – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1575
  • Rob Gamble: Sr Workforce and Academic Strategist – California Transit Works!

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Making Connections 2024 – How Do Technicians Learn? Exploring Successful Approaches for Developing Skills

This session about training transit technicians was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2024 transit workforce conference in November, 2024.

Transit Workforce Center

November 2024

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Session Description: This session delved into the most effective methods for training technicians to maintain today’s fleets of complex technology. We focused on proven strategies, such as starting with the fundamentals and progressing to hands-on training. Additionally, we discussed the value of mentorship and apprenticeship to facilitate the retention of the trained frontline workforce.

Moderator:

  • Jason Macumber: Senior Advisor of Workforce Development and Technology – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

Speakers:

  • Russell Anderson: Director Bus Maintenance Training – California Transit Works!
  • Staci Hanna: Maintenance Training Manager – TriMet
  • Brian Markey: Chief Executive Officer – Custom Training Aids Inc.

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Making Connections 2024 – Apprenticeship 101 – How Transit Apprenticeship Operates

This session about transit apprenticeships was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2024 transit workforce conference in November, 2024.

Transit Workforce Center

November 2024

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Session Description: Apprenticeship programs are rapidly expanding at transit locations across the country. With quality training tied to clearly-identified career ladders and advancement, these programs are commonly regarded as the “gold standard” of workforce development. Documented benefits include increased retention, reductions in absenteeism, and the creation of a sustainable talent pipeline. These programs also result in better employee morale and a more engaged workforce. In this session, presenters walked through the essential steps to developing, registering, and implementing an apprenticeship program. Attendees heard from and engaged with transit labor and management about their joint programs including bus maintenance, traction power, HVAC/facilities, and signals/communications—and explore how to locate and access resources to support new and existing programs.

Moderator: 

  • Brian J. Turner: Founding Director – International Transportation Learning Center

Speakers:

  • Michelle Allison: General Manager – King County Metro (WA)
  • Maurice Beard: Senior Workforce Development Advisor –
  • Norman Blessant: Financial Secretary/Treasurer – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 381 (UT)
  • Rod Dunn: President – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 382 (UT)
  • Brandee Gross: Program Manager, Workforce Development – Maryland Department of Transportation
  • Dimas Koral-Arocho: Program Manager – King County Metro (WA)
  • Stephanie Lewis: Workforce Development Project Manager – Center for Urban Transportation Research
  • Kylee Parker: Shop Steward/Joint Apprenticeship Committee Chairman – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1300 (MD)
  • Jeff Stambaugh: Vice President – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 (WA)
  • Greg Woodfill: President – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 587 (WA)

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Making Connections 2024 – Women in the Transit Trades – Creating Pathways, Strengthening Retention, and Supporting Advancement

This session about women in transit careers was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2024 transit workforce conference in November, 2024.

Transit Workforce Center

November 2024

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Session Description: This session explored ways to increase the number of women in careers in the transit trades through initiatives and partnerships that provide support and opportunities for advancement and training. Panelists addressed the barriers to employment women face in entering frontline transit careers, the types of outreach and support that can increase employment, and described the programs and services that help women thrive in frontline transit careers. Transit agencies and union representatives outlined initiatives designed to increase the representation of women in the transit trades, and women in the industry spoke about their first-hand experiences, the opportunities they have been afforded, and the critical role that workplace culture, programs, and policies played in their success. Attendees also heard about opportunities to engage with federal partners, such as the USDOL Women’s Bureau program and the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) program.

Moderator: 

  • Karitsa Holdzkom: Senior Policy Analyst – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

Speakers:

  • Annmarie Carmody: Senior Communications Associate – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
  • Shannon Arms: Operations Manager – Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
  • Laila Bofia: Utility Mechanic – Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)
  • Tisha Carroll: Workforce Development Program Manager – Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)
  • Lee Gibson, DBA: Talent Acquision Manager – Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)
  • Charles Jenkins: Director – Transport Workers Union Local 100, New York City Transit Training & Upgrading Fund
  • Celeste Kirkland: Power Division Vice Chair/Safety Inspector – Transport Workers Union Local 100 (NYC)
  • Nicole Neri: Regional Administrator – U.S. Department of Labor Women’s Bureau
  • Yvette Trujillo: International Executive Vice President – Amalgamated Transit Union

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PAsmart Supporting Apprenticeship Building through Registered Apprenticeship Programs

Administering Agency: PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I)

Posted Date: September 13, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: Friday, October 18, 2024, at 4 p.m. E.T.

Estimated Total Program Funding: $450,000

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania

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Administering Agency: PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I)

Posted Date: September 13, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: Friday, October 18, 2024, at 4 p.m. E.T.

Estimated Total Program Funding: $450,000

Geographic Scope: Pennsylvania

Description: The PA Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) announces the availability of approximately $450,000 in funding for the PAsmart Supporting Apprenticeship Building through Registered Apprenticeship Programs (“Supporting Apprenticeship Building”) to include one award of up to $450,000. A successful program will utilize grant funds to enhance existing partnerships and develop new avenues for registered apprenticeship in Pennsylvania while extending the reach of the Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO). Additionally, the intent is to support technical assistance to regional consortiums of stakeholders, employers, intermediaries, training providers, and other partners by building a network of people trained on growing programming and apprenticeship ecosystems long term.

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ATTAIN Facilities & Elevator/Escalator Maintenance Meeting

This ATTAIN meeting featured discussions from Pittsburgh Regional Transit/ATU 85 and Bay Area Rapid Transit about how their facilities and elevator/escalator maintenance apprenticeship programs are developed, work, and the benefits they offer.

Transit Workforce Center

September 2024

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The American Transit Training and Apprenticeship Innovators Network (ATTAIN) is a peer network created for transit agencies and labor unions to explore new apprenticeship programs or enhance existing programs for their frontline workforce. Through ATTAIN, TWC promotes apprenticeship, advances frontline worker training, facilitates peer exchange, and provides technical assistance to agencies and unions interested in developing apprenticeship programs for their frontline workforce.

This ATTAIN meeting featured discussions from Pittsburgh Regional Transit/ATU 85 and Bay Area Rapid Transit about how their facilities and elevator/escalator maintenance apprenticeship programs are developed, work, and the benefits they offer.

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