CATS Establishes eSERVE Academy to Address Workforce Shortages

The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), NC, has established the Electronic Sustainable Environmentally Reliable Vehicle Education Academy (eSERVE Academy) to address workforce shortages. The academy will provide foundational courses in collaboration with the Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC).

In addition, CATS has unveiled the Rail Vehicle Maintenance Apprenticeship as part of the program. Apprentices will undergo classroom and hands-on training for up to 24 months, working directly with a designated, experienced mentor. Through the program, participants will develop skills for high-demand, technical roles and will learn directly from other rail vehicle maintenance professionals.

The program serves as a pillar to ensure candidates have the qualifications for a career in sustainable transit. As part of eSERVE Academy, the apprenticeship seeks to open pathways including entry-level positions for those outside of CATS.

CATS recently welcomed the inaugural class of apprentices for the program, who will train in-house with the agency and also attend prerequisite classes during their apprenticeship at CPCC for Fall 2024.