News

January is National Mentorship Month!  

Sign up for TWC’s Mentorship Program Office Hours

To continue supporting the public transportation industry in creating and strengthening mentorship programs across the industry, TWC will hold a series of Mentorship Program Office Hours during National Mentorship Month. TWC’s experienced and knowledgeable team members will be available Fridays, January 10, 17, 24, and 31 from 12:30-2:30 pm ET to provide technical assistance to transit agencies and their partners with an interest in learning about, exploring, developing, expanding, and evaluating mentorship programs. 

Sign up for a Friday 15-minute slot during Mentorship Program Office Hours to speak with a TWC team member. If the scheduled times do not work for you, please email Karitsa Holdzkom at kholdzkom@transportcenter.org with your availability.

What are frontline transit worker mentorship programs?

Mentorship programs pair experienced frontline transit workers with employees who are just beginning their careers in transit or starting new positions. Mentors provide advice and guidance on the techniques and habits needed to succeed in their occupations, complementing classroom and on-the-job skills-based training. These programs focus on fostering professional personal and development. 

Why should your organization invest in mentorship?

Mentorship programs have many benefits, including improved rates of retention and absenteeism. They can also aid recruitment efforts by communicating employer commitment to support workers through the program.

When developed collaboratively with the frontline workforce—and, in unionized settings, the local union—mentorship programs mentorship programs can strengthen workforce engagement and improve workplace morale.

Mentorship programs also recognize the wisdom and skills of experienced frontline workers, creating structured opportunities for these employees to share that expertise with newer employees. Training exemplary senior frontline workers to act as mentors creates an effective system of knowledge transfer and leadership opportunities for qualified and experienced members of the workforce. 

Where can I learn more?