Powering Up Skills: Two-Day FEE Training at TriMet

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