Lane Transit District recently hosted two successful sessions of Fundamentals of Electrical Electronics (FEE) training for maintenance mechanics — the first held October 16–17, and the second October 20–21. This hands-on course, developed through a partnership between CTW and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), is part of a U.S. Department of Labor H-1B Skills Training Grant focused on up-skilling transit maintenance workers. The training included Apprentices, Trainers, and Front-Line Workers, and was delivered by CTW’s own Russell Anderson and Kevin Kinoshita of ATU International. Mike Hursh, Lane Transit’s Chief Operations Officer, was also on-site.
Participants from ATU Local 757 responded enthusiastically, sharing that the course filled in important gaps in their understanding of electrical and electronic fundamentals. Attendees left energized, more confident in their technical skills, and better equipped to apply what they learned on the job. 
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October 25, 2025 – Stockton, CA — Today, San Joaquin Driving Force mentors hosted Shadow Day 2, an exciting hands-on experience for participants in their new and innovative job preparation program. The day included a bus ride and behind-the-scenes look at what it’s really like to be a bus operator at the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD).
Participants had the opportunity to meet professional operators, learn about daily responsibilities, explore career pathways within RTD, and gain valuable insight into the skills and dedication required to keep our community moving safely and efficiently. This event is part of San Joaquin Driving Force’s ongoing commitment to preparing local residents for successful, long-term careers in transportation and public service. 
On October 22, the ATLAS Partnership (ATU & SunLine Learning and Skills) — a collaboration between SunLine Transit Agency and ATU Local 1277 — hosted its first outreach event at the Foothill–Pomona division to introduce a new Mentor Program for operators and maintenance staff. Program leaders from both SunLine and ATU 1277 came together to engage employees, share new information, and encourage participation. The event was filled with enthusiasm, conversation, and a strong sense of teamwork — plus plenty of pizza and balloons for all!
“I was pleasantly surprised by the response from operators and mechanics for mentor recruitment and the number of applications submitted.” -Mauro Varela (ATU 1277 Vice President) “The event went very well—both the board presentation and the outreach. We received 20 applications for mentors from Maintenance and Operators. The board was very pleased to see our progress.” -Isabel Vizcarra (Chief Transportation Officer) The ATLAS team’s dedication and collaboration have already made impressive strides in developing this program in a short time.  Attendees included:
Isabel Vizcarra (Chief Transportation Officer) • Mauro Varela (ATU 1277 Vice President) • Marina Blackstone (Superintendent of Transportation) • Mark Perry (Chief Maintenance Officer) • Bryan Valenzuela (Chief Safety Officer) • Sharon Barone (Staff Development Coordinator) • Norma Hernandez (ATU Paratransit Shop Steward) • George Hernandez (ATU Maintenance Shop Steward) • Francisco Ojeda (ATU Maintenance Supervisor Shop Steward) • Emmanuel Mora (ATLAS Coordinator) • Aaron Williams (ATU 1277) Congratulations to everyone involved — great work, ATLAS Team! History was made today as 103 apprentices graduated from four different transit apprenticeship programs — the largest set of community college public transit apprenticeship programs in the U.S.  These apprenticeships are a partnership between the Joint Workforce Investment (the High Road Training Partnership of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265) and Mission College (Santa Clara), their local education agency. Each apprenticeship graduate received a Mission College/JWI graduation stole and a Mission College college-credit Certificate of Achievement.
Speakers from Mission College, VTA, ATU Local 265, ATU International, and California Transit Works congratulated the graduates and their families for the hard work and dedication it takes to successfully complete an apprenticeship program.  More photos and video to come!
RAMP22 mentors and coordinators spent the day connecting with RTA mechanics at both the Riverside and Hemet maintenance facilities. Joining the effort were ATU International's Josie Garcia and Rich Diaz, along with RAMP22 coordinator Seannice Archie and Chris Vore, partnership committee member and ATU 1277 shop steward. The team set up an informational table and met one-on-one with mechanics from all shifts to share insights about the mentoring program and discuss opportunities to grow the upcoming Mechanic Mentor Program—a new initiative under development through the RAMP22 partnership. Supported by California Transit Works! (CTW) through the High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) network, RAMP22 has been building bridges between operators, mechanics, and mentors since launching in 2022. Kudos to the RAMP22 Partnership and Mentors for continuing to strengthen this joint labor–management effort that invests directly in the workforce.
📅 October 14, 2025 📍 Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) On September 28, 2025, CTW convened peer mentor coordinators and program leads from eleven of the California High Road Training Partnerships (HRTPs) for a full day of learning, teamwork, and inspiration.  This historic in-person statewide meeting showcased the great progress these partnerships have made in their peer mentoring programs since they last met in person at the March 2025 CTW annual meeting. A new feature of this meeting was bringing together HRTP peer mentor coordinators and leads from both transportation and maintenance. Participants broke new ground by building a statewide community between two sets of occupations who ordinarily do not have an opportunity to work together on common projects.
The meeting agenda and discussion highlighted the essential roles and multiple skills needed to be successful peer mentor coordinators and leads. A dynamic fishbowl discussion featured coordinators Seannice Archie (Riverside Transit Agency/ATU 1277), Kay Avognon (AC Transit/ATU 192), Harpreet Singh (Santa Clara VTA/ATU 265); maintenance leads Herlinda Macias and Rudy Alcantar (Santa Clara VTA/ATU 265); and James Jackson (ATU 192 officer and PIA JATC member). They shared powerful insights on peer mentor recruitment, performance, and retention; the need for maintenance peer mentor programs; support for women entering maintenance careers; and the nuts and bolts of coordinating program development and administration. All meeting participants had insightful questions and issues, reflects both the diversity and commonalities at each transit agency.
Meeting participants kicked off an exciting process of developing new skills checklists for both the position of peer mentor coordinators, and for the work life needs of workers in maintenance occupations. Developing these skills checklists is a concrete example of fully utilizing worker voice in the design and administration of transit operations workforce development programs. The checklists will also serve as an evolutionary “road map” for the skills needed to build professional coach operators and maintenance staff, as well as the basis for program metrics and evaluation. We are off to a great start in developing these dynamic tools to guide future work.
The day concluded with calls for a two-day in-person convening next year – a testament to the energy, commitment, and passion of all meeting participants. CTW will continue to create statewide and regional spaces to support this work, year-round. Huge thanks to Progress In Action (PIA), the AC Transit and ATU Local 192 partnership, for hosting this meeting; to the ATU International workforce development coordinators for facilitating this meeting with CTW; and most of all to the statewide peer mentor coordinators and leads for bringing their heart and enthusiasm to this work.
On September 8–9, 2025, TriMet hosted its second session of the Fundamentals of Electrical Electronics (FEE) training for maintenance mechanics. This hands-on course, developed through a partnership between California Transit Works! (CTW) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), is part of a U.S. Department of Labor H-1B Skills Training Grant aimed at up-skilling transit maintenance workers. Training was delivered by CTW’s own Russell Anderson and Dave Lawhorn, with assistance from Kevin Kinoshita and Rich Diaz of ATU.
The two-day training emphasized practical application, with approximately 80% of the time dedicated to hands-on exercises using training boards. Participants tackled around 42 troubleshooting scenarios, employing the "Texas 2 Step" method to diagnose and resolve issues in electronic circuits. The curriculum covered essential topics such as open circuits, voltage drops, and relay circuits, providing mechanics with a systematic approach to identifying faults.
Students responded enthusiastically, noting both the clarity of instruction and the relevance to their daily work. One participant described it as a “great intro into electricity” where the “instructors were clear and helpful.” Another called the training “very engaging, great to bring us back to the basics.” Others highlighted its practicality: “very enjoyable with plenty of info and teachings,” and “clear and helpful instructor, knowledgeable and helpful.”
Course attendees were members of ATU local 757 and included: Brenan Potter, Troy Worden, Ron Melby, Elias Corona, Carl Wyatt, Matt Croper, Perry Puckett, and William Colwell
On September 4th and 5th, staff from California Transit Works! (CTW) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) conducted a two-day training session at TriMet Transit Agency’s Powell Bus Yard Facility. The training was designed specifically for ATU 757 bus mechanics who work at TriMet, focusing on the Fundamentals of Electrical and Electronic (FEE) as part of a U.S. Department of Labor H1B grant initiative.
Lead Instructor Russell Anderson (CTW), supported by Dave Lawhorn (CTW) and Kevin Kinoshita (ATU), guided participants through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on learning. The interactive approach allowed mechanics to deepen their understanding of electrical and electronic systems, while also practicing practical troubleshooting methods directly related to their work on buses. The training was very well received, with students expressing strong appreciation for the content, instruction, and real-world application. Many participants highlighted the value of standardizing the thought process for diagnosing and solving electrical problems—an essential skill set in maintaining the safety and efficiency of transit fleets.
A second session is scheduled in the coming days for another group of mechanics, ensuring broader participation and reinforcing consistent standards across TriMet’s workforce. This ongoing effort demonstrates the commitment of CTW, ATU International, ATU 757 and TriMet to investing in professional development and building a highly skilled transit maintenance workforce.  Attendees included Matthew Davis, Mark Hanks, Daniel Rodriguez, Collin Dow, Andrew Passero, and Christopher Tyson
We’re excited to share some highlights from the 2025 CTW Southern California Regional Conference—a powerful day that brought together union leaders, management, mentors, coordinators, and frontline workers from across the region. Hosted by RAMP 22, the High Road Training Partnership between RTA and ATU Local 1277, the conference was filled with honest conversations, shared victories, and a collective commitment to building strong, sustainable partnerships for the future of transit.
Thanks to everyone who made this event a success. Your voices, stories, and energy shaped an unforgettable experience! Building Partnerships, Shaping the Future: The CTW Southern California Regional Conference7/26/2025
The 2025 CTW Southern California Regional Conference brought together union leaders, management, mentors, coordinators, and frontline workers from across the Southern California region.
Throughout the day, teams shared updates, challenges, and successes from their programs. Mentors and coordinators spoke about their journeys and why this work matters. Breakout groups had honest conversations about what’s working, what’s needed, and how to keep moving forward.
The day ended with a clear goal—stay connected, support each other, and keep building strong, sustainable partnerships. More to come!
Big thanks to host RAMP 22, the High Road Training Partnership (HRTP) between Riverside Transit and ATU Local 1277!
On July 21–22, 2025, California Transit Works (CTW) partnered with ATU Local 1277 to deliver a dynamic two-day Fundamental Electrical Electronics (FEE) course at the ATU 1277 Union Hall. Participants included frontline maintenance workers from RTA and LA Metro (Ramp 22 & LACMTA), all focused on strengthening their technical skills and problem-solving abilities. Led by CTW’s Director of Bus Maintenance Training, Russell Anderson, the session blended hands-on exercises with clear, concise instruction that made even complex concepts easier to grasp.
Firsthand reactions from the frontline:
This session is part of ATU’s High Road to Innovative Clean Transit Dept. of Labor H1B grant, partnering with CTW through the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB). Course attendees included Jonathan Baunzan, David Lambie, Albert Vega, Jeffrey Shoopman, Alan Van Petten, Ricardo Romero, and Matthew Kanowsky.
 From July 14–16, 2025, the Sunline Transit and ATU Local 1277, HRTP (ATLAS) took part in a powerful three-day benchmarking visit AND partnership building retreat in Northern California. The goal of this visit was to strengthen the ATLAS partnership by learning from HRTPs in northern California and taking important time together (away from daily work demands) to build a strong foundation for the SunLine and ATU 1277 partnership. This visit showcased the vibrant California Transit Works (CTW) statewide network of High Road Training Partnerships (HRTPs). It was an exciting learning opportunity – not only for ATLAS, but for northern California HRTPs to acknowledge and celebrate the significance of their own work.
 For more information about the San Joaquin Driving Force, visit their page.
Learn more about PIA by visiting their page.
 Day 3 concluded with a retreat facilitated by CTW and gave ATLAS labor and management members the opportunity to draw from the benchmarking visits in designing the foundation of their own partnership. Labor and management shared open and honest assessments of SunLine operations, and how they want to move forward as a strong team.  As George Hernandez, SunLine Maintenance Mechanic/ATU 1277 Shop Steward, remarked, "Let's do it. I love it! I'm excited. It makes me want to stay, you know, a little bit longer instead of retiring. To see it done, that's been always my dream, to see it done." They concluded the visit by creating an action plan of how ATLAS will move forward in 2025.  Gustavo Vasquez, ATU Local 192 Apprentice Mentor, captured the spirit of ATLAS throughout the benchmarking process: “There definitely is passion — Your heart's in it. Stay with it. Create that partnership between union and management. Work together. Once you guys work together and there's harmony there, you guys will progress quickly as you get to where you want to be!”  Thank you to ATLAS and all the HRTPs who contributed to making this visit a resounding success! CTW looks forward to continuing these exchanges between HRTPs and building a strong network/learning community of these groundbreaking public transit HRTPs in California.
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.  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!
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! 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:
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
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...
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!  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  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
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 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.  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.  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.”  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.”  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)
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  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  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! 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.  |
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California Transit Works!
PO Box 83
Half Moon Bay, CA 94019
EMAIL: [email protected]
© COPYRIGHT 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.