News

Center’s Director of Technical Training John Schiavone Presents at NY Public Transportation Assn.

Posted November 2016

John Schiavone, the Center’s Director of Technical Training, spoke at the New York Public Transportation Association (NYPTA) Conference and Expo held October 18-20 in Albany New York. His presentation focused on the National Bus Apprenticeship Program sponsored by the Department of Labor and being implemented by a joint or management committee structure organized by the Transportation Learning Center. Given that senior technicians are retiring in great numbers, bus technology is becoming increasingly complex, the pool of skilled replacements difficult to find, and sources for bus technical training extremely limited, it is imperative that transit agencies “grow their own” technicians. The task, however, is made extremely difficult for smaller agencies with limited resources. With many transit agencies short of the full complement of technicians needed to keep pace with daily maintenance requirements, finding time for training is quickly becoming a luxury that many agencies simply cannot afford. Yet without a skilled workforce able to identify defects during routine inspections and make needed repairs, fleet condition deteriorates and the need for maintenance multiplies over time.

The Bus Maintenance Apprenticeship Program is intended to assist transit agencies by presenting them with a ready-made training program, one that is competency-based, allowing training to be directed to needed skill areas. Completion of the apprenticeship program will give technicians a nationally recognized, portable credential; practical, useful and effective hands-on training; education without the debt; and a long-term career with good earning potential. Agencies receive a structured training program and qualified technicians. For more information about the National Bus Apprenticeship Program and to be placed on a mailing list to receive program correspondence, contact John at JohnJSchiavone@cs.com.