News
WMATA Transit Elevator/Escalator Apprenticeship Graduates: Moving to a Future of Excellence
Posted September 2016
On August 26, 2016, WMATA graduated five individuals from their elevator-escalator apprenticeship program: Andy Cardwell, Sherman Jones, Ebisu Dinqu, Howard Mintz, and Bryan Moats. The WMATA elevator-escalator apprenticeship program was formed in 2001 in partnership with ATU Local 689 to maintain the over 900 elevators and escalators run by the organization. The apprenticeship program is an 8,000 hour training program consisting of classroom instruction and On-the-Job (OJT) training. In addition, apprentices must pass a comprehensive written and practical exam required by the National Association of Elevator Safety Authorities (NAESA). Graduates in attendance had a score of 94% on the NAESA and they experienced zero safety infractions throughout the 4 year apprenticeship program. To date, the apprenticeship has graduated 119 individuals - 79% of them are still employed with WMATA.
It was expressed at the ceremony that elevator-escalator is the one department that consistently has the highest and steadiest performance indicators. It was also noted that the successful apprenticeship program and retention of apprenticeship completes has been crucial to the success of the elevator-escalator department. WMATA has consistently participated in the Center’s Elevator-Escalator Consortium program to provide courseware for transit elevator-escalator technicians which puts a high emphasis on adult learning styles and safety. This is the first group of individuals too successfully complete the program using this standardized courseware.
For more information on the Transit Elevator/Escalator Consortium:
View sample pieces of courseware on Transit Training Network
Read the Center’s recent publication The Transit Elevator-Escalator Training Consortium: A Model for Successful Training Development
Contact Project Manager Jim Kinahan
For more information apprenticeship and/or assistance in implementing one at your location, contact Program Manager Tia Brown.
