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.

Content in external resources linked from the Resource Center is solely the responsibility of the resource authors and does not necessarily reflect the perspectives of or endorsement by the Transit Workforce Center.

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Found 90 results for "mentor"
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Making Connections 2022 – Conference Overview and Videos

The Transit Workforce Center hosted Making Connections 2022: The National Transit Workforce Conference in Washington, D.C. on December 13-14, 2022. This conference brought together participants from urban, suburban, rural, and tribal public transportation and industry stakeholders in plenaries, workshops, networking, and ongoing dialogue. Discussions and sessions featured topics including recruitment and retention, training, mentoring and apprenticeships, new technologies, and preparing today’s and tomorrow’s workforce.

Transit Workforce Center

December 2022

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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: 

pdf Making Connections Conference Schedule
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Making Connections 2022 – Engines to Inverters: Preparing Technicians for ZEB Deployment

This session about working with ZEB technologies was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.

Transit Workforce Center

December 2022

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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

pdf Engines to Inverters Session Slides
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Making Connections 2022 – Growing Your Own Through Apprenticeship: A Joint Approach to Building Skills

This session about apprenticeship was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.

Transit Workforce Center

December 2022

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Session Summary: Apprenticeship programs create a foundation for strong, effective workforce development programs. The ability to build and maintain 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 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

pdf Growing Your Own Through Transit Apprenticeship Slides
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Making Connections 2022 – Hands-On Instructional Training for Transit Trainers

This session about hands-on instructional training was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.

Transit Workforce Center

December 2022

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Session Summary: Hands-on instructional training is a critical piece to any organization’s training program. This workshop addressed hands-on training and its importance, best practices, lessons learned, and how to create effective hands-on training. Workshop participants observed hands-on welding simulation. The goal of this session was for participants to leave with the knowledge and resources to make hands-on training impactful and meaningful!

Moderators
  • Kristen Ribaudo: Instructional Systems Design Consultant – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center
  • Grant Young: Instructional Systems Design Consultant – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center
Speakers
  • Ed Hogan: Chief Welding Instructor – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority
  • Grace Kuka: Welding Instructor – Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority

pdf Hands-On Instructional Training Session Slides pdf Hands-On Learning Template
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Making Connections 2024 – Engaging and Interactive Training Strategies

This session about innovative and engaging training methods 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 was designed to enhance learner engagement by utilizing interactive learning techniques. Through a discussion led by a panel of seasoned instructional designers from varied backgrounds, the workshop demonstrated how to translate material into engaging activities through the use of storytelling, gamification, and real-world problem-solving exercises. Additionally, the workshop showcased a blend of traditional methods and innovative technology tools to create learner-centered instructional experiences that promote critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaboration through group work and discussions.

Speakers:

  • Julie Deibel-Pundt: Program Director, Instructional Design – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
  • Frank Burnett: Training Specialist – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
  • Allie Franklyn: Instructional Designer – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
  • Kristen Ribaudo: Senior Instructional Designer – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

pdf MC24 Engaging and Interactive Training Strategies slides
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Making Connections 2024 – Identifying Training Needs, Assessing Workforce Skills Gaps, and Creating Strong Training Programs

This session about assessing training needs and workforce skills gaps 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: Participants explored effective methods for identifying training needs and assessing workforce skills gaps to develop robust training programs, all in the context of ensuring worker voice and involvement. The session covered tools and techniques for evaluating current training needs for frontline workers, identified areas for improvement, and aligned training strategies with organizational goals. Attendees learned how to use data-driven approaches to map out training priorities that address immediate operational needs and long-term workforce development.

Moderators:

  • Kristen Ribaudo: Senior Instructional Designer – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
  • Stu Bass: Principal – Progress Worx; Founding Director – Keystone Development Partnership

Speakers:

  • Jeffrey Di Perna: Financial Secretary/Treasurer – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 85 (PA)
  • Jason Macumber: Senior Advisor of Workforce Development and Technology – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

pdf MC24 Training Needs, Skills Gaps, and Training Programs slides
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Making Connections 2024 – Train-the-Trainer Bootcamp: Strategies for Successful Instruction

This full-day intensive session about tools for new and experienced trainers to increase retention and engagement 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 intensive full-day session, an abbreviated version of TWC’s popular 5-day Train-the-Trainer Level 1 course, provided both new and experienced trainers with new tools to increase engagement, application, and retention. Participants added to their knowledge, skills, and confidence to fully engage learners and effectively facilitate a variety of instructor-led training programs. Topics included adult learning theory, teaching techniques, and instructional elements that really work! Participants also had the opportunity to observe and critique a teaching demonstration — learning what does and what does not contribute to impactful learning.

Check out experienced instructors and your trainer-peers from across the industry to explore the following topics:

  • How do adults learn, and what does adult learning theory tell us that we can use in our training?
  • What are the key instructional elements of successful classroom and hands-on training?
  • What are lesson plans, and how are they developed?
  • Which teaching techniques help strengthen classes and instructional presentations?

Speakers:

  • Frank Burnett: Training Specialist – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
  • Julie Deibel-Pundt: Program Director, Instructional Design – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
  • Marina Budeyeva: Instructional Designer – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
  • Jessica Supervielle: Instructional Designer – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

pdf MC24 TtT Bootcamp slides
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Mini Case Studies: Low-No Workforce Transition

In the past decade, the number of hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell buses has increased substantially across the U.S., particularly as transit locations have made use of FTA’s Low-No grant program. Well-developed and proactive training and preparation of technicians and operators is critical for a successful transition to new vehicle technologies; maintaining and operating newly procured vehicles effectively is necessary for fleet reliability and efficiency. Transit locations have supported training and other initiatives through FTA’s Low-No grants, which offer 5% for workforce development, as well as through formula funds. These mini case studies offer examples of training, retention, and procurement methods being used by transit agencies to support new fleet technologies.

Transit Workforce Center

August 2024

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In the past decade, the number of hybrid, battery-electric, and hydrogen fuel cell buses has increased substantially across the U.S., particularly as transit locations have made use of FTA’s Low-No grant program. Well-developed and proactive training and preparation of technicians and operators is critical for a successful transition to new vehicle technologies; maintaining and operating newly procured vehicles effectively is necessary for fleet reliability and efficiency. Transit locations have supported training and other initiatives through FTA’s Low-No grants, which offer 5% for workforce development, as well as through formula funds. These mini case studies offer examples of training, retention, and procurement methods being used by transit agencies to support new fleet technologies.

  • Foundational Skills and Technician Engagement at Champaign-Urbana Mass Transit District
  • Bringing Training In-House at Mountain Line and Teamsters Local 2
  • Transferable Knowledge and Train-the-Trainer at IndyGo and ATU Local 1070
  • Innovative Technology and Documentation for Workforce Transitioning at AC Transit and ATU Local 192
  • Training Operators Through Pre-Apprenticeship, Apprenticeship, and Mentorship at Golden Gate Transit and ATU Local 1575
  • Frontline Worker Involvement in Vehicle Procurement at SporTran and ATU Local 588
  • Midwest Hydrogen Center of Excellence at SARTA and AFSCME Local 1880

link Link to Mini Case Studies
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