VTA Apprentices Celebrate Graduation

Dozens of frontline employees from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), San Jose, CA, celebrated a major achievement with their recent graduation from the VTA/ATU Joint Workforce Investment (JWI) Apprenticeship Program. The group includes 69 bus drivers, four track workers, and an overhead line worker. The graduates were awarded 18 college credits from Mission College in Santa Clara.

Since its creation in 2008, the JWI program has aimed to build a strong, sustainable workforce through a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction. VTA, ATU Local 265, and Mission College collaborate to offer apprentices a comprehensive 18-month to two-year long program.

Under the guidance of an experienced VTA/ATU mentor, each apprentice completes 2,000 hours of hands-on experience, paired with academic coursework that earns them up to 18 college credits. The mentorship plays a key role in the program’s success, with experienced workers providing guidance and support to their newer colleagues.

This education also opens up new career-advancement opportunities for those who join VTA in entry-level positions to potentially work their way into managerial positions.