CALIFORNIA TRANSIT WORKS!
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • Partnerships
  • ZERO EMISSIONS
  • WORKING GROUPS
  • NEWS
  • CONTACT

PARTNERS MOVING FORWARD!

5/26/2025

0 Comments

 
As the Labor Management partnership model continues to grow, we’re proud to feature Partners Moving Forward (PMF)—a powerful collaboration between Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT) and ATU Local 256.
Picture
PMF is a great example of what happens when labor and management come together with a shared vision. Through frontline leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to workforce development, PMF is helping to create lasting career pathways and a culture of growth and collaboration. ​It’s a model worth celebrating!
Picture
Picture
Learn more about the partnership on their page.
0 Comments

Leveling Up at Lane Transit!

4/29/2025

0 Comments

 
​On April 28–29, seven dedicated mechanics, employees of Lane Transit and members of ATU Local 757, took part in a 2-day Fundamental Electrical Electronics (FEE) course. The training is a foundational class for agencies converting to zero emission buses, and is part of the ATU’s High Road to Innovative Clean Transit Grant, in partnership with CTW. It was led by Russell Anderson, CTW’s Director of Bus Maintenance Training, and focused on hands-on learning to support Lane Transit’s entire fleet — including battery electric buses.
Special shoutout to ATU Local 757 — 6 skilled technicians participated, along with Bill Bradley, ATU Local 757 Executive Board Officer, who joined the training as well! Also in the mix were Rich Diaz, Eliseo Acosta, and Kevin Kinoshita — 3 outstanding ATU workforce development coordinators — taking part as part of the Train the Trainers initiative to build leadership and instructional capacity.
Eugene is charging ahead — and they’re just getting started!
0 Comments

RAMP 22 on the Move: Lessons in Unity from Mentors in Motion 2025

4/11/2025

0 Comments

 
RAMP 22—a powerful partnership between RTA and ATU Local 1277—is proud to share reflections from this year’s Mentors in Motion Conference, hosted by California Transit Works. Mentors returned inspired, energized, and unified, having connected with peers across the state and beyond who share similar triumphs and challenges in supporting frontline transit workers. From calls for stronger mentor networks and mental health support, to strategies for deeper conversations with mentees, the RAMP 22 team is bringing home new ideas grounded in honesty, unity, and compassion. As one attendee put it, “There’s no ‘I’ in team. But united... we move this city!”
Click on Images to Enlarge:

Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture
Picture

For more information about RAMP 22, visit their page.
0 Comments

Rolling With Knowledge (RWK) in the House at Mentors in Motion 2025!

3/11/2025

0 Comments

 
Earlier this month, Rolling With Knowledge made waves at the Mentors in Motion 2025 conference in Monterey, hosted at the stunning Hyatt Regency!
The CTW annual conference brought together ATU members, transit agencies, colleges, and key industry partners to champion the power of worker voice and collaboration!
Rolling With Knowledge proudly joined the CTW network in March 2024, and their impact has already been felt! Their commitment to workforce development and mentorship is shaping the future of transit—one connection at a time.
Congratulations to Rolling With Knowledge for their leadership and dedication to moving transit forward! #MentorsInMotion #CTW2025
Rolling With Knowledge (RWK) is a partnership between Omnitrans and Local 1704.
To learn more, visit their page here: https://www.catransitworks.org/omnitrans---atu-1704.html
0 Comments

San Joaquin Driving Force at Mentors in Motion 2025!

3/6/2025

0 Comments

 
San Joaquin Driving Force brought their energy and passion to Mentors in Motion 2025, embracing the power of networking, learning, and collaboration. From sharing strategies to strengthen mentorship programs to celebrating the impact of workforce development, their voices highlight the dedication to growth and unity. Together, they are helping to shape the future—one connection at a time!
San Joaquin Driving Force is a partnership between San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) ​and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 256. To learn more, visit their page: https://www.catransitworks.org/san-joaquin-driving-force...
0 Comments

Mentors in Motion 2025!

3/1/2025

0 Comments

 
High energy and inspiring stories highlighted Day 1 of our “Mentors In Motion 2025: Inspiring Each Other and Building Community” annual conference  in Monterey, CA! 
We were honored to have ATU International President John Costa deliver a stirring opening speech and spend the entire day attending sessions with 300+ conference attendees. 
Here are some highlights from some of today’s activities, featuring people from seven states, 15 ATU locals and 19 transit agencies representing their labor/management training partnerships, along with 10 educational institutions, and special guests. Stay tuned for much more to come!
0 Comments

PTAP Team Meeting – Building the Future of Apprenticeship!

2/14/2025

1 Comment

 
Picture
On Thursday February 13th, CTW met with the Pomona Technician Apprenticeship Program (PTAP) team for a milestone discussion on their journey forward. Much was covered during their meeting, including:

* Strengthening the Foundation: PTAP presented their comprehensive mechanic apprenticeship curriculum—an impressive step toward shaping the next generation of skilled technicians. CTW’s Rob Gamble, an expert in workforce engagement at the college level, confirmed their readiness to collaborate with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) and provided strategic insights on partnering with local colleges. With three promising options, PTAP is poised to make a strong choice.
* Empowering Mentors: Recognizing the vital role of mentorship, the team explored mentor selection and standards. Eliseo Acosta (ATU International Workforce Development Coordinator) offered to lead mentor training, aiming for a March launch after the CTW Annual Conference.
* Clarifying Processes: To streamline operations, the team discussed invoicing procedures.
* Gearing up for the CTW Conference: Excitement grew as PTAP prepared to showcase their work at the High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) table. Rich Diaz (ATU International Workforce Development Coordinator), praised their work, affirming that they are well ahead in developing their program and on a strong path forward. His insights and support are helping to guide their next steps and adding momentum to their efforts. The upcoming conference promises to be a powerful opportunity to connect, learn, and inspire.

For next steps, CTW will work with PTAP to:

* Finalize mentor standards and selection.
* Schedule mentor training.
* Meet with a DAS representative.
* Clarify invoicing.

Participants included Carey Ellis, Vincent Millan, Ray Olivas, Santiago Gomez, Steve Peoples, Jose Garcia, Gavino Romero, and Ashley Collins. Rich Diaz and Eliseo Acosta of ATU International provided guidance and CTW was represented by Robert Hannibal and Rob Gamble.

With strong momentum and a clear path forward, PTAP is ready to elevate their program, forge meaningful partnerships, and make an impact at the CTW Conference. The future of apprenticeship is bright!
​
PTAP is a partnership between Foothill Transit and ATU 1756. To learn more, visit their page
1 Comment

In-Person Meeting & Coordinator Training at RAMP 22

2/12/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
On Tuesday, February 11, the morning started for CTW at 9am at the Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) with a dynamic partnership check-in. Our discussion centered on the upcoming CTW Conference, ensuring all questions were addressed. A key highlight was welcoming Seannice into her new role as the RAMP22 Program Coordinator, where we explored her upcoming responsibilities, including the VTT presentation and innovative approaches to delivering impactful presentations. Following this, we dedicated time—amidst other meetings—to guide Seannice through Coordinator Training. These insightful discussions covered essential aspects of the role, such as:

* Building trust and meaningful connections with mentors, mentees, ATU, and management
* Work-life balance and role sustainability
* Providing support and serving as a role model among peers
* Effective communication and leadership strategies
Picture
Picture
Additionally, we engaged in hands-on learning with interactive worksheets covering topics like communication styles, mentor-coordinator GYR (green yellow red) forms, health and wellness, and key skills development. This training session provided a strong foundation for Seannice as she embarks on this new leadership journey, reinforcing the core values of mentorship, growth, and work voice within CTW.
Participants from RAMP 22 included Kristen Warsinski, Mauro Varela, Laura Camacho, Seannice Archie, and Josie Garcia, while Rich Diaz, Robert Hannibal, and Eliseo Acosta represented California Transit Works.
​

RAMP 22 is a partnership between Riverside Transit Agency and ATU - Local 1277. To learn more, visit their page: https://www.catransitworks.org/ramp-22-rtaatu-1277.html
0 Comments

Train the Trainer: Fundamentals of Electrical Electronics

1/22/2025

0 Comments

 
On January 21, 2025, Russell Anderson, CTW's Director of Bus Maintenance Training, conducted a "Train the Trainer" session on the Fundamentals of Electrical Electronics (FEE). The class brought together a diverse group of participants, including veteran mechanics from VTA Local 265 and ATU International, a seasoned electrician from CTW, and individuals with no prior electrical experience.
Picture
The FEE course emphasizes safety and practical problem-solving, forming the foundation for work on Zero-Emission Buses (ZEBs). The training fosters a collaborative learning environment where participants exchange knowledge and support one another, even during assessments. Key areas of focus include diagnostics, such as meter usage and basic troubleshooting, with problems tailored for all experience levels—from new workers to experienced trainers, peer mentors, and frontline staff selected by labor-management partnerships. While not a comprehensive electrical course, the training equips attendees with essential skills to address workplace challenges.
Picture
The session received high praise from both students and facilitators. Russell Anderson shared his thoughts, saying, “Great day of training, the students were fantastic!” Herlinda (Linda) Macias, an O&R Mechanic, and Rudy Alcantar, an Electrical Mechanic Foreman—both maintenance leads for the Joint Workforce Investment (JWI), a partnership between ATU 265 and VTA—found the training highly valuable. “I enjoyed the class, and it was great taking the train-the-trainer class. I loved it!” said Linda. Rudy added, “It was a great class. Definitely a good class for someone new to electrical diagnosis or someone who just needs a refresher course to brush up on their skills.”
Picture
Other participants shared similar enthusiasm. CTW’s own Dave Lawhorn remarked, “The training at VTA was fantastic! I've had the chance to learn from University Professors at places like the University of Michigan, Michigan State, UCI, and CSUF, but I have to say Russell's presentation was on par, if not better. He really engages everyone and keeps us wanting more. I can’t emphasize enough how great his teaching style is—he’s truly a gem!” Shandis McGlothen of ATU International shared, “I had fun learning about electrical and can’t wait for another class so I can master this training down to a science. Being that this was my first time, I did very well in figuring out the difference between Power and Ground. I even learned how to do a Texas 2 Step! Thanks again, Russell, for this basic training into the electrical world.”
Picture
By the end of the session, participants—regardless of their experience levels—left with newfound confidence in troubleshooting basic electrical issues. This knowledge serves as a stepping stone for tackling more complex problems on the shop floor, further demonstrating the value of this foundational training.
FEE Training Participants: Eliseo Acosta (ATU Int'l), Herlinda "Linda" Macias (JWI), Rich Diaz (ATU Int'l), Dave Lawhorn (CTW), Mike Faso (JWI), Shandis McGlothen (ATU Int'l), Rudy Alcantar (JWI), Kevin Kinoshita (ATU Int'l)
0 Comments

Heroic Actions in the Line of Duty

10/2/2024

0 Comments

 
On September 26, the Riverside Transit Agency(RTA) Board Presented an Award for heroism to RTA Coach Operator Felita Moore. Felita's heroic actions in the line of duty serve as an inspiring example of dedication and courage and her recognition showcases the exceptional contributions of our transit professionals.
The award presentation was followed up by a RAMP 22 Mentorship Program update that delved into how the partnership is fostering growth and leadership within the organization.
RAMP 22 is a partnership between Riverside Transit Agency ​and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 1277 (ATU)
Special thanks to the Riverside Transit Agency for providing the video!
#transitheroes #MentorsInMotion
0 Comments

RAMP22 Holds Operator Mentor Training and Welcomes New Members

9/13/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
On August 17, 2024, ATU International Workforce Development Coordinator Rich Diaz and California Transit Works! representative Robert Hannibal were in Riverside, CA, for the RAMP 22 operator mentor training. RAMP 22 is the High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) between Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) and ATU - Local 1277. The training session welcomed eight new mentors: Debora Walker, Daphanie Buffington, Felita Moore, Terrica Beattie, Camille Wilson, Seannice Archie, Romell Kidd, Ariana Berry, and the RAMP22 ATU Coordinator, Josie Garcia. The training was also attended by Kristin Warsinski, RTA CEO, and Laura Camacho, RTA Chief Administrative Services Officer.
The mentors were enthusiastic about joining the program and expressed their heartfelt desire to help new coworkers transition into a career in transit and see them succeed. We congratulate them for stepping into this new role. It was an honor to spend the day with the RAMP22 Mentors, who are truly a remarkable group doing great things!
#MentorsInMotion
0 Comments

Historic Regional Coordinators Meeting

8/14/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
On Sunday, August 11th, 2024, California Transit Works held its first-ever in-person Regional Coordinators Meeting at the San Joaquin Regional Transportation District (SJRTD). This historic event brought together ATU Peer Mentoring Coordinators, Maintenance Representatives, and ATU Workforce Development Coordinators from nine different ATU locals and ten different Labor-Management Partnerships (LMP) throughout California, including Locals 1575, 256, 192, 1574, 265, 1225, 1277, 1704, and 1756. This meeting continued the conversations and themes from the Annual Conference, “Mentors in Motion: Inspiring Each Other, Building Community,” held earlier this year in January.
Following in the CTW tradition of worker voice, the participants led the conversation and reinforced ATU’s support for Workforce Development. The meeting featured a series of workshops aimed at fostering discussions around the coordinators’ roles, their program responsibilities, and strategies for navigating their Labor-Management Partnerships (LMP), among other topics.
While the role of the coordinator may seem straightforward and simple, it is, in reality, more complex and involves many different layers with varying degrees of difficulty. The day's interactions and activities provided coordinators with new skill sets and insights essential for developing, implementing, and maintaining the various programs they lead, including mentorship, apprenticeship, and pre-apprenticeship programs. 
By the conclusion of the event, participants had cultivated a supportive network and a space for collaboration. Comments such as, “I have a newfound outlook for this position! When is our next meeting?” and “This meeting just rejuvenated me!” reflected the positive impact of the gathering on those who attended.
This meeting further opened the door for coordinators throughout the country to become part of a vast network, enabling them to share their experiences and insights from their journey.
A special thank you to SJRTD and ATU 256: “San Joaquin Driving Force” for hosting the event and giving our participants a tour of your facility!
0 Comments

ATU Awarded Department of Labor Apprenticeships Building America Grant

7/16/2024

0 Comments

 
CTW is honored to work with the ATU International and the UCLA Labor Center on its new grant project, the National Center for High Road Clean Transit Careers. ATU sets the national standard for public transit apprenticeships and peer mentoring programs centering frontline workers. 
CTW will work with the  UCLA Labor Center to research and develop new national infrastructure and evaluation guidelines for high road labor management partnerships centering frontline worker voice. This is the strong foundation needed for public transit employers and unions to build equitable, worker-centered apprenticeships and workforce development programs featuring frontline worker peer mentoring. CTW will also provide targeted HRTP technical assistance to the ATU at selected sites across the US, based on its successful work in California.
Picture
View the Official Press Release
0 Comments

RAMP 22 Update!

6/6/2024

0 Comments

 
Check out RAMP 22's public presentation to Riverside Transit on the establishment, team building activities, and successful assignment of mentors. The presentation highlights new challenges and goals moving forward.

​For more about RAMP 22, visit: http://www.catransitworks.org/ramp-22-rtaatu-1277.html
0 Comments

Welcome Omnitrans!

3/28/2024

0 Comments

 
California Transit Works! welcomes the newest mentors to our HRTP network. Congratulations to Omnitrans and ATU Local 1704. #MentorsMovingForward
0 Comments

Frontline Workers Lead the Way at "Mentors In Motion: Inspiring Each Other and Building Community"

1/30/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
​

Picture
ATU Int’l President Jim Lindsay, representing ATU Int’l President John Costa
Picture
Michael Hursh, General Manager and CEO of Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District
Picture
Jamaine Gibson, ATU Apprenticeship and Workforce Development Director
​“I have never attended anything like this!” was the day’s refrain, as 250 people from California and five other states attended Mentors In Motion: Inspiring Each Other and Building Community, the annual meeting of California Transit Works! (CTW) on January 27, 2024. This historic meeting was the largest gathering of public transit High Road Training Partnerships (HRTPs) in the country, featuring the leadership and voice of frontline workers themselves. The entire event was organized by current and former peer mentors/mentor coordinators and supported by CTW and its labor/management partnerships. 
Picture
Carolyn Gonot, GM/CEO, Santa Clara VTA
Picture
Darnice Marsh - Labor Management Partnership Coordinator, DOL
Picture
Emily Sunahara, Deputy Director of Operations/Chief Information Officer, California Workforce Development Board
Picture
Peer Mentors from across the USA
​More than 70% of attendees were frontline transit workers – both current peer mentors, as well as frontline transportation and maintenance workers who were interested in peer mentoring, as well as issues such as conversion to zero emission buses (ZEB). They were joined by ATU and agency leaders of their agencies’ training partnerships, as well as ATU officers and agency managers at all levels. Special guest presenters included the US Department of Labor, the California Workforce Development Board, and community college deans. CTW was graciously hosted by the principal, counselor, and automotive instructor and students of Logan High School in Union City, CA. 
​ATU International Vice President Jim Lindsay, on behalf of International President John Costa, gave the official welcome, emphasizing the ATU’s commitment to promoting apprenticeships and workforce development for ATU members at every local in the US and Canada. Michael Hursh, General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District, and Jamaine Gibson, ATU Apprenticeship and Workforce Development Director, opened the plenary by speaking from the heart about why these public transit labor/management partnerships centering frontline workers are so meaningful and essential for the public transit industry.
Picture
San Joaquin RTD poster
PictureRich Diaz (1575) and Harpreet Singh (265), Peer Mentor Coordinators
​

Picture
Eliseo Acosta Jr (265) and Shandis McGlothen (192), ATU Workforce Development Coordinators
Picture
RAMP 22 poster (Riverside and 1277)
​The morning’s highlight were presentations by each of the 16 labor/management partnerships from California, Missouri, Ohio, Indiana, Oregon, and Washington on their work and accomplishments to date. Participants included frontline workers and officers from ATU locals 192, 256, 265, 268, 757, 788, 1070, 1225, 1277, 1574, 1575, 1704, and 1756; as well as the ATU California Conference Board. Transit agency participants included GM/CEOs, managers, and supervisors from AC Transit, Sacramento RT, San Joaquin RTD, Santa Clara VTA, Cleveland RTA, TriMet, Eugene Transit, Metro St. Louis, IndyGo, Monterey-Salinas Transit, Riverside Transit, SunLine Transit, San Diego, SamTrans, Golden Gate Transit, OmniTrans, Foothill-Pomona, and King County Metro. 
Picture
Progress In Action (PIA), AC Transit and 192
Picture
Event Participants
Picture
Maintenance Caucus
Picture
Joint Workforce Investment (JWI) SCVTA and Local 265
Picture
GGT/ATU 1575, Workforce Investment Network
Picture
Logan HS Students Demonstrating to Maintenance Caucus.
The afternoon plenary kicked off with a peer mentor panel representing six US transit partnerships. Throughout the day, meeting attendees had multiple opportunities to network with their peers in productive small group workshops and caucuses on key issues and challenges facing transit labor/management partnerships and programs. The maintenance caucus had a special hands-on presentation by the James Logan High School automotive students and instructor, building the high school to career pathway in real life. The CTW Advisory Board also held a well-attended meeting, with both labor and management leaders committing to “be CTW” and assist their peers throughout the year as they work on their partnerships and programs. ​
Picture
Local 757 (Oregon), Commitment to Action
The afternoon was devoted to each labor/management partnership working together to share what they learned and develop partnership “Commitment to Action” plans for 2024. As each partnership shared their Commitment to Action plans on stage to the rest of the meeting attendees, their enthusiasm was the perfect way to close out the day and carry us all forward into 2024!
For more information, please go to: www.catransitworks.org or [email protected]
#nationalmentorshipmonth #highroad #highroadtrainingpartnerships #ATU #CaliforniaWorkforceDevelopmentBoard #CWDB #USDOL #CTW
0 Comments

Growing in Partnership!

11/16/2023

0 Comments

 
On November 8th and 9th, California Transit Works! (CTW) newly formed High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) start up team conducted meetings with new HRTP’s in Southern California. 
The team, comprising members Shandis McGlothen, Ray Messier, Russell Anderson, David Lawhorn, Rich Hibbs, Eliseo Acosta Jr., and Robert Hannibal, began the first day with a visit to OmniTrans/ATU 1756. In-depth discussions were held between both labor and management representatives on strategies to advance their bus operator mentor program. The collaborative selection of mentors and the anticipation of their training by CTW were key discussion points. The shared commitment of both labor and management to advance a successful Labor Management Partnership and mentor program was evident. A subsequent meeting is scheduled for early December to facilitate the formulation of a comprehensive work plan.
 On November 9th, CTW engaged with SunLine Transit at the request of the new CEO/General Manager, Mona Babauta. The meeting involved a comprehensive discussion with the staff regarding Labor Management Partnership and Mentor/Apprenticeship programs. This initial meeting served as a valuable introduction to the agency, providing insights into their goals and future needs. The active participation of all attendees underscored the belief that implementing a Labor Management Partnership and related programs would be mutually advantageous. Further meetings are scheduled to delve into their specific objectives and future plans.
Also on November 9th, CTW met with Foothill Transit/ATU 1704, where both labor and management were represented. The agenda encompassed discussions on the significance of a Labor Management Partnership, the establishment of a maintenance mentor/apprenticeship program, development of classroom curriculum, training protocols, funding considerations, and collaboration with colleges. Plans for a subsequent meeting were set to provide continued assistance in propelling these initiatives forward.
0 Comments

Exciting Funding News!

11/3/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
The California Workforce Development Board has announced a substantial $5 million grant from the USDOL Building Pathways to Infrastructure Jobs Program. The funding is a significant milestone in expanding workforce development programs for transit maintenance workers, preparing them for the future of transportation with Zero Emission Buses (ZEBs). The CWDB partnered with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), California Transit Works, Oregon AFL-CIO, various public transit agencies, and dedicated frontline transit workers, resulting in a grant that plays a pivotal role in aligning with the goals of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, specifically focusing on reducing emissions and addressing the climate crisis. California Transit Works is privileged to be part of this momentous venture, anticipating a positive impact on the state's workforce and the environment, and invites everyone to stay tuned for further updates as we collectively shape a cleaner and more sustainable future for all. #CleanTransportation #workforcedevelopment #ClimateAction
​CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
0 Comments

Partners Moving Forward!

10/13/2023

0 Comments

 
Teamwork and commitment took center stage as Sacramento Regional Transit District and ATU 256 came together for their Labor Management Partnership meeting with California Transit Works. It was a day filled with innovation, collaboration, and unity, marking a significant step forward in our shared journey.
0 Comments

Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) and SunLine Transit Agency Recognized for Excellence in Transit – Awarded As 2023 Outstanding Public Transportation Systems

10/11/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Picture
Please join California Transit Works as we honor the remarkable achievements of the Alameda-Contra Costa Transit District (AC Transit) and SunLine Transit Agency in public transportation! These two California transit agencies received highest honors from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA) on October 10, 2023, acknowledging their unwavering commitment to enhancing public transit.
AC Transit and their frontline workers represented by Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 192 have been honored with APTA’s 2023 Outstanding Public Transportation System Award for their exceptional service to communities, serving 15 million or fewer passengers annually. AC Transit and ATU Local 192’s high road training partnership, Partners In Action, is one of the founders of CTW. This award reflects their remarkable collaboration on the frontlines, emphasizing the pivotal role of strong partnerships in advancing the quality and accessibility of public transportation. AC Transit also received APTA’s AdWheel Grand Award for marketing and communication efforts with their workforce development video, ”Recruitment: Live Your Best Life”, highlighting the impact of AC Transit’s good union jobs and career opportunities on entry level frontline workers.

Picture
Picture
SunLine Transit Agency, in partnership with ATU Local 1277, has been recognized for their dedication to excellence in transit, with a particular focus on communities with 3 million or fewer annual passenger trips. This award reflects their shared commitment to improving transit services and fostering innovation.  SunLine Transit Agency and ATU Local 1277 are one of eight new High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) sites in central and southern California. CTW is honored to be working closely with them to formally establish their high road training partnership and programs.
We wish AC Transit and SunLine Transit Agency continued success and look forward to our ongoing collaboration in further developing their high road training partnerships (HRTPs)! For more information about their achievements: 
AC Transit:
https://www.actransit.org/press-release/ac-transit-wins-2023-outstanding-public-transportation-system-award
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zfh6YvDPEGA
SunLine:
https://www.sunline.org/news/sunline-transit-agency-named-outstanding-public-transportation-system-for-2023-by-the-american
 
For more information about California Transit Works!, please visit www.catransitworks.org
0 Comments

High Road Spring Gathering

5/18/2023

0 Comments

 
On Tuesday, May 16th, CTW members attended the successful and informative statewide “High Road Community Spring Gathering 2023” in Sacramento, organized by the California Workforce Development Board. 

For the first time since the pandemic, High Road Training Partnerships from various industries such as health, education, public service, manufacturing, service sector, utilities, green transition and agriculture came together to map their progress and development.  Partnerships' development ranged from initial start-ups to those like CTW, now expanding their work to Central and Southern CA.  
​
Through roundtable discussions, resource breakouts and networking, with the help from the High Road Initiative Founders and the UC Labor Centers from Los Angeles, Berkeley and Merced, the gathering provided ways to learn from each other, find resources, share strategies, challenges, successes, and opportunities.
0 Comments

Congratulations Graduates!

4/20/2023

1 Comment

 
Picture
Pictured here with the nine happy graduates are members of Golden Gate Transit, Santa Rosa Junior College, California Transit Works!, ATU Local 1575, and mentors from the WIN program. 
They have completed 12 weeks of classroom work and three on-site shadow days at Golden Gate Transit.  On this final day of the program, the pre-apprentices completed their final shadow day which included learning about obtaining their commercial drivers leaner permit, tips for a successful job interview, and an introduction to the Golden Gate Transit Training Department and staff.
The next steps for this group will be to complete an interview, obtain their commercial drivers learner permits,  and complete their physical examinations and pre-employment drug tests.
Having completed this pre-apprenticeship has helped them take an important step towards securing their future career as a bus operator with Golden Gate Transit.
To learn more about the pre-apprentice program at Golden Gate Transit, or about California Transit Works!, visit our website at www.catransitworks.org
1 Comment

National Impact

3/27/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Pictured L-R: Jamaine Gibson, Brent Parton, Rob Gamble

On March 25, 2023, the California Transit Works’ model of workforce development was presented at The Forum, the annual conference of the National Association of Workforce Boards, in Washington DC. The US Department of Labor, Acting Assistant Secretary ETA Brent Parton, ATU Director of Apprenticeships and Workforce Development Jamaine Gibson,  and California Transit Works Senior Workforce Development Strategist Rob Gamble described how public transit agencies and unions are building a High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) apprenticeship model across California and increasingly nationwide. Their session highlighted how a systematic approach to workforce development based on the principles of industry-driven, worker centered, community oriented, and measurable results addresses critical issues of equity, job quality worker voice, industry efficiency and environmental sustainability. 
Picture
Rob Gamble gave a brief overview of CTW’s innovative labor/ management partnership approach to workforce development. CTW’s accomplishments so far include six US-DOL registered public transit apprenticeships, five California community college (credit bearing) certificates, 46 credit-bearing college courses, and more than 350 Career Technical Education (CTE) certificates awarded (to date) by three California community colleges, in partnership with the high road training partnerships (HRTPs) of two public transit agencies and their ATU locals. Brent Parton observed that the CTW labor/management partnership-based approach is one of the ways the United States is going to have to approach workforce development, going forward.

Picture
​Jamaine Gibson discussed the partnership between the ATU International and CTW that is  building groundbreaking transit apprenticeship and peer mentorship programs across California, and how the ATU International is successfully bringing the CTW HRTP model to scale across the country.

Picture










0 Comments

Spotlight on San Joaquin RTD

3/10/2023

0 Comments

 
This week’s spotlight is on the High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) between the San Joaquin Rapid Transit District (SJRTD) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) local 256. ​
Picture
This partnership is relatively new, however it has started off strong.  ​The partnership recently completed its first all day mentor meeting and mentor training meeting.  All eight of the mentors and the Transportation Superintendent attended the meeting which was a special day of learning and collaboration. In 2023, they will continue to push forward with the progress that they started last year, and work towards the goals set for this year.
​Additionally, in late 2022, CTW conducted a one-day basic electrical troubleshooting workshop at SJRTD for the maintenance technicians. The objective of the workshop was to share innovative basic electrical concepts and troubleshooting procedures, including hands-on practice. By the end of the workshop each student had to troubleshoot and diagnose 25 different electrical defects!  This type of training is necessary to prepare technicians for a future in bus maintenance as California moves closer to the implementation of its innovative clean transit initiative, which mandates zero emission bus transportation by year 2040.
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

In Partnership with ATU International

3/7/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
​Union is industry-leader in developing innovative transit apprenticeship programs across North America
​

Silver Spring, MD – As the transit industry leader in workforce development programs, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) has announced a partnership with California Transit Works (CTW) to administer nearly $10 million in grants for groundbreaking apprenticeship and peer mentorship programs across California.
A U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador, the ATU (www.atu.org) is the largest transit union in North America, representing over 200,000 members. The CTW (www.catransitworks.org) is a statewide consortium of transit agencies, labor unions, and community colleges that promotes high road training partnerships that draw on the knowledge and skills of frontline workers to address critical issues in public transit.
"The work that the ATU and CTW are doing right now is so important in California," said ATU International President John Costa, a member of the CTW Advisory Board. "The work that is happening, the partnerships that are being built, the apprenticeship programs, and the career pathways we're creating have led to an innovative model that we're starting to spread across the country to get these programs to more of our members. These programs are critical to preparing our members for the changing technology in the transition to zero-emission vehicles. They have changed the lives of our members by advancing their careers. Becoming the fiscal agent for these impactful grants is a natural progression to our long and productive partnership with CTW. We look forward to continuing this incredible work in this new capacity."
CTW is a High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) grant recipient, funded by the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB), to further the mission of addressing income inequality, economic competitiveness, and climate change through regional skills strategies designed to support resilient communities across California. The $9,989,385 in grants will support current and future ATU labor-management High Road Training Partnerships and programs at 13 transit agencies in California, promoting good-paying jobs with benefits and career opportunities. 
"ATU International has a long history of supporting CTW in building labor-management partnerships in California," said Deb Moy, a nationally recognized organizational change expert and CTW Co-Founder and Organizational Strategist. "The ATU will bring its national experience with developing workforce development programs to its new role of fiscal agent for CTW grants from the CWDB to advance high road training partnerships in California, changing workers' lives. This partnership is exciting because of our commitment to frontline workers and the ripple effect it will have across the country." 
CTW grant activities include technical assistance and funding to the 13 HRTPs for operations and maintenance apprenticeships, pre-apprenticeships, and peer mentoring programs for frontline workers. CTW also convenes statewide workgroups to address transit industry needs, focusing on frontline workers, including the conversion to zero-emission buses, the need for frontline worker safety and technical training, and the need for outreach, recruitment, and retention of new frontline workers, with special emphasis on underserved and priority population communities.
-ATU International Press Release
0 Comments
<<Previous

    Archives

    May 2025
    April 2025
    March 2025
    February 2025
    January 2025
    October 2024
    September 2024
    August 2024
    July 2024
    June 2024
    March 2024
    January 2024
    November 2023
    October 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    March 2023
    February 2023
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    July 2021
    May 2021
    January 2021
    September 2020
    July 2020
    May 2020
    December 2019
    September 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Contact Us:
California Transit Works!​
PO Box 83
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019

EMAIL: [email protected]
© COPYRIGHT 2025.  ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • HOME
  • ABOUT
  • Partnerships
  • ZERO EMISSIONS
  • WORKING GROUPS
  • NEWS
  • CONTACT