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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, preparing today’s and tomorrow’s workforce, and advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and access.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
TOPICS: Apprenticeship , Career Pathways , Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Access , Hiring and Recruitment , Labor-Management Partnerships , Making Connections Conference , Mentorship , Program Evaluation and ROI , Retention , Safety and Health , Trainer and Mentor Development , Training , Zero Emission Buses
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 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
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
Making Connections 2022 – Out of the Box Strategies: Using Partnerships to Strengthen Recruitment, Retention and the Advancement of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Access
This session about DEIA advancement was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
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
Making Connections 2022 – Transit Instructional Systems Design Boot Camp
This session about instructional systems design was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
TOPICS: Making Connections Conference , Training
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
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
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
Making Connections 2022 – Driving Bus Operator Recruitment and Retention: Challenges, Opportunities and Innovation
This session about bus operator recruitment and retention was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
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
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
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
Making Connections 2022 – Designing an Impactful Training Program: Linking Program Design to Classroom Learning and On-The-Job Training for Transit Frontline Workers
This session about program design was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
TOPICS: Apprenticeship , Making Connections Conference , Retention , Training
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
Making Connections 2022 – Designing Safety: Bus of the Future and Beyond
This session about bus operator safety was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
Session Summary: In the hierarchy of health and safety protections, engineering controls are at the top. This session addressed the critical issues of operator assaults and operator safety through the lens of safety by design, with a major focus on the significant planning work that has been done to create an effective operator barrier against assault and respiratory hazards. Other advances in safety-related design, such as blind-spot elimination for protection of pedestrians, ergonomics and accessibility, were also reviewed.
Moderators
- Jack Clark: Executive Director – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center
Speakers
- Christy Campoll: Senior Associate – RLS & Associates Inc.
- Brian Sherlock: Safety Specialist – Amalgamated Transit Union
- Mohammed Yousuf: Director, Office of Infrastructure, Safety and Asset Innovation – Federal Transit Administration
Making Connections 2022 – Moving Forward Together: Creating and Sustaining Successful Labor-Management Partnerships
This session about labor-management partnerships was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
Session Summary: Across the country, strong labor-management partnerships underlie many of the most effective public transportation recruitment, retention, career development, and advancement programs. In this session, experienced subject-matter experts from transit and from government discussed the importance and impact of these partnerships, provided program examples and outcomes, and highlighted key components in establishing and maintaining these relationships.
Moderators
- Brian Turner: Founding Director – International Transportation Learning Center
Speakers
- Shirley Block: President/Business Representative – Amalgamated Transit Union Local 757
- Jamaine “G” Gibson: Director of Apprenticeships and Workforce Development – Amalgamated Transit Union
- Andrew Hasty: Senior Advisor – U.S Department of Labor’s Office of Labor Management Standards; Commissioner – Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service
- Nate Holton: Director of Labor Relations – TriMet
- Denise Jenkins-Agurs: Chief People Officer – IndyGo
- Charles Jenkins: Director – New York City Transit Training & Upgrading Fund/Transport Workers Union Local 100
- Darnice Marsh: Labor Management Partnership Coordinator – U.S. Department of Labor
Making Connections 2022 – Considerations on the Future of Human-Automation Teaming in the Transit Workforce
As part of the plenary session on “Navigating New Directions: Emerging Technologies and the Future of Transit Workforce” at Making Connections 2022, Carnegie Mellon researchers presented on a study released in spring 2022 on bus automation, examining issues related to the practical safety and operational limitations of deploying driverless buses in transit systems while citing many technologies that can enhance safety and improve driver performance.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
TOPICS: Making Connections Conference , Training
Making Connections 2022 – Meeting Industry Needs: Feedback Session on FTA’s Draft Strategic Workforce Development Plan
Transit Workforce Center & Federal Transit Administration
December 2022
Feedback collected during this session and in subsequent engagements informed the development of FTA’s National Transit Workforce Development Strategic Plan 2023 to 2028, which has since been released.
Speakers
- Mary Leary: Acting Associate Administrator for Research, Demonstration and Innovation – Federal Transit Administration
This handout was shared with participants in a feedback session held during TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.
Making Connections 2022 – Drive to Revive: Preparing Operators 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
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 operator workforce and prepare the future frontline workers to safely and effectively work with ZEB technologies. Presentations by industry experts, early-adopters, and examination of successful rollouts offered insight for an audience seeking guidance on first steps and follow-through.
Moderator
- Maurice Beard: Technical Training Supervisor [retired] – Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority
Speakers
- Dinero Washington: President/Chief Executive Officer – Shreveport Transit Management (SporTran)
- Richard Gwin: Training Specialist – Sacramento Regional Transit District
- Alphonza Clements: Executive Board Member – DASH/ATU Local 689
Making Connections 2022 – Online Training and Learning Technologies
This session about online training was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
TOPICS: Making Connections Conference , Training
Session Summary: The Online Training and Learning Technologies Workshop addressed how online training is evolving, strategies to start or expand an online training program, and ways to incorporate learning technologies, regardless of training program size. The session included an exciting snapshot of how cutting-edge learning technologies are successfully being used in the transit industry today.
Moderator
- Grant Young: Instructional Systems Design Consultant – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center
Speakers
- Julie Deibel-Pundt: Program Director, Instructional Design – International Transportation Learning Center/Transit Workforce Center
- Michael Flocchini: Training and Education Manager – AC Transit
- Todd Marks: Founder, CEO and President – Mindgrub Technologies
Making Connections 2022 – Mentoring: A Great Route to Frontline Workforce Development
This session about mentoring was presented as part of TWC’s Making Connections 2022 transit workforce conference in December, 2022.
Transit Workforce Center
December 2022
Session Summary: This session explored how transit agencies can use structured mentoring programs and mentor training as an effective approach to deal with the challenges of recruiting, supporting, training, and retaining drivers and technicians. Current and former mentors and mentor program coordinators from labor and management discussed the fundamentals of mentoring, the mentoring process and its impact on employees and agencies, along with the varied ways mentoring can and should be an integral part of any training or apprenticeship program.
Moderator
- Stu Bass: Principal – Progress Worx; Founding Director – Keystone Development Partnership
Speakers
- Raul “Kiko” Diaz: Senior Assistant Business Manager – San Diego Metropolitan Transit System/IBEW Local 465
- Rich Hibbs: Co-Director – California Transit Works
- Dionna McCane: Mentorship and Apprenticeship Coordinator – IndyGo
- Ibrahim Ouattara: Workforce Development Manager – IndyGo
- Troy Thornton: Mentor/Bus Operator – Golden Gate Transit/Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1575
Statewide Bus Operator Attraction, Hiring, & Retention Research
These slides were used in a presentation outlining research conducted to better understand the shape and scale of the bus operator shortage in Massachusetts public transit and the adjustments agencies are making to confront these challenges.
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
April 2022
TOPICS: Hiring and Recruitment , Retention , Workforce Shortage
Emerging Leaders Presentation: Recruiting & Retaining Bus Operators
This slidedeck, from the APTA Emerging Leaders Program class of 2019 presentations, provides an overview of research and transit agency case studies to capture key themes on the topics of bus operator recruitment and retention.
American Public Transportation Association
December 2019
Training for New Technologies Workshop
This slide presentation is from the “Training for New Technologies” workshop held during the International Transportation Learning Center’s Making Connections conference held on October 26, 2017.