Hands-On Training Sparks Enthusiasm at TriMet

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