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USDOL, Office of Apprenticeship has Approved the Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

Posted June 2013

  Certificate Recognizing the Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

The Office of Apprenticeship at the US Department of Labor has now officially approved the National Guidelines for Apprenticeship Standards for the Transit Rail Vehicle Maintenance Technician.  This new apprenticeship framework was developed by the National Rail Car Training Committee and submitted to US DOL by the Center.

This approval means that local public transportation agencies can register their apprenticeship programs with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL).  The registered apprenticeship documents are guidelines for the industry and can be modified to meet local needs. 

The public transportation industry’s National Committee on Transit Rail Car Training Standards (Committee) worked for more than 4 years to develop the apprenticeship as part of a comprehensive qualification system for rail car repairers. On hearing the news, Committee Co-Chair Jayendra Shah, General Superintendent, MTA New York City Transit responded, “Congratulations to all.  This is very good news for all Authorities and their employees.” 

The Rail Car registered apprenticeship is the second (the first was bus mechanic) public transportation occupation to receive approval by US DOL as a national registered apprenticeship.  The industry plans to continue enhancing public transportation occupational skills training and will be applying for more registered apprenticeship in the future