Resource Center

This online training is designed for staff who perform the role of dispatcher and/or scheduler in a rural, small urban, or tribal transit agency. New dispatchers and schedulers can use this training to learn the major components of their roles. Seasoned dispatchers and schedulers can also use the training for refreshing their skills.

The entire eLearning course takes approximately 4 hours and covers the topics listed below:

• Working in a Transit Environment
• Transit Service Types
• Americans with Disabilities Act
• Essential Communication Skills
• Customer Service
• Role of the Dispatcher
• Role of the Scheduler
• Use of Technology
• Working as a Transit Team
• Responding to Transit Incidents

Link to eLearning Course

The National Apprenticeship Resource Hub includes Occupational Frameworks which can help develop a new apprenticeship program or refine an existing program. Each framework outlines the basic information sponsors need to register an apprenticeship program in their occupation including an occupational overview that describes the occupation, alternative job titles, and any prerequisites; a work process schedule that outlines what organizations can expect apprentices to learn on the job and the required hours; and a related technical instruction outline that presents considerations for courses and training apprentices can pursue during the apprenticeship. The National Occupational Frameworks also include detailed instructions on how to use them when creating your registration application.

Link to the Resource Hub Link to the National Occupational Frameworks

After data analysis and expert interviews, GAO published this report which describes: (1) the status of transit agencies’ transition to zero-emission bus fleets and any challenges they may face meeting transition goals; (2) skill- and workforce-development needs of transit agencies and actions selected agencies are taking to address any workforce gaps; and (3) recommended FTA actions to assist transit agencies in preparing their workforces for zero-emission buses.

Link to Full Report

It is increasingly difficult to recruit and retain rural and tribal transit drivers. This National RTAP Best Practices Spotlight Article provides practical and easy-to-implement strategies from transit leaders that agencies can use to create a workplace that drivers will want to remain in and thrive in. This article includes advice from Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA), Redding Area Bus Authority (RABA), Heart of Iowa Regional Transit Agency (HIRTA), and Big Woods Transit (BWT).

Link to Full Article

Administering Organization: Jobs for the Future (JFF) and the PwC Foundation

Posted Date: November 14, 2024

Closing Date for Applications: January 17, 2025

Estimated Total Program Funding: $300,000

Geographic Scope: National

Description: Jobs for the Future (JFF), with support from the PwC Foundation, is creating and supporting a cohort of 10 exemplary community and technical colleges in accelerating innovative programs that effectively connect learners—especially those facing systemic barriers, such as learners who identify as Black or Latine, women of all backgrounds, learners from low-income households and first-generation postsecondary education students—with paid work-based learning opportunities and quality jobs. Each college that is selected for this opportunity will receive $300,000 over a two-year period. Colleges will be expected to utilize these funds to strengthen, expand, and scale effective programming, enhance data collection and analysis, and share leading practices across a national network of innovative institutions.

Grant Information Page

Session Description: In this workshop, participants explored how Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize training and development efforts. We explored practical applications of AI throughout the ADDIE model and advanced usages of AI for helping trainers synthesize information from large datasets. Attendees also learned about the ethical considerations surrounding AI in training and how to effectively use AI tools by improving prompt engineering to craft content.

Moderator:

• Arnett Powell: Adjunct Instructional Designer – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

Speakers:

• Addie Khanu: Instructional Designer – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
• Jeff Pratt: Manager of Training – Bi-State Development/Metro Transit (St. Louis)
• Michael Tomlinson: Solution Architect – Xpan

MC24 Integrating AI in Training slides

Session Description: This session delved into the most effective methods for training technicians to maintain today’s fleets of complex technology. We focused on proven strategies, such as starting with the fundamentals and progressing to hands-on training. Additionally, we discussed the value of mentorship and apprenticeship to facilitate the retention of the trained frontline workforce.

Moderator:

• Jason Macumber: Senior Advisor of Workforce Development and Technology – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

Speakers:

• Russell Anderson: Director Bus Maintenance Training – California Transit Works!
• Staci Hanna: Maintenance Training Manager – TriMet
• Brian Markey: Chief Executive Officer – Custom Training Aids Inc.

MC24 How Techs Learn slides

Session Description: Employment in public transportation is affected by broad economic and demographic dynamics, but honing in on transit workforce trends can be challenging. The Transit Workforce Center created the Transit Workforce Data Dashboard to distill relevant data points from national datasets. In this session, TWC highlighted specific employment patterns and challenges in transit-related occupations and panelists covered research and trends in national and agency-level datasets.

Moderator: 

• Douglas Nevins: Senior Researcher – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

Speakers:

• Dr. Asha Weinstein Agrawal: Director of Education – Mineta Transportation Institute
• Kenneth Blacks: Transportation Program Analyst – Federal Transit Administration
• Michaela Boneva: Research Associate – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center
• Dr. Shayna Gleason: Senior Researcher – International Transportation Learning Center / Transit Workforce Center

MC24 Workforce Data in Context slides