JTA, FSCJ MOU Provides for Internships in Transportation

The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), FL, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ) to provide internships for FSCJ students pursuing degrees in the field of automotive technology and related areas. The MOU also enables JTA and FSCJ staff to cooperate in the creation of a robust curriculum in the area of mass transit and in the development of new vehicle technologies including autonomous vehicle systems.

“We are thrilled to continue our work with FCSJ as they fortify their education curriculum to equip today’s employees with knowledge needed to be prepared for the jobs of the future,” said Nathaniel P. Ford Sr., JTA chief executive officer. “At the JTA, we are always looking for innovative ways to better serve the people of Northeast Florida. Today, we take another big step in the right direction by opening up the lines of communication and cooperation with an excellent educational institution like FSCJ, whose core values include innovation, and whose students benefit from the JTA’s services daily.”

The MOU outlines the structure of the six-month internships to be established as well as the process by which JTA staff and FSCJ professors will work together to develop and improve FSCJ’s curriculum in the mass transportation field. It also establishes cooperative efforts related to JTA’s deployment of new vehicle technologies and joint research on autonomous vehicle technology.

“We are excited for the opportunity to continue our partnership with JTA in creating paid internship opportunities that set our students up for success in the workforce,” said FSCJ President Dr. John Avendano. “These bold learning experiences provide invaluable real-world engagement, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need to excel. I deeply appreciate the dedication of our community partners, faculty, and staff in investing in our students and making these opportunities possible.”