DART Collaboration with School District Opens Career Path for Future Auto Technicians

Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) is launching a High School Student Bus Maintenance Externship Program, in partnership with the Dallas Independent School District (DISD) Automotive Technician Program of Study. The program will expose students to bus maintenance and related technical career pathways. Participating students will be paired with DART bus maintenance professionals throughout the semester to gain hands-on, real-world training.

DART Chief Operations Officer Trenise Winters said, “Through this collaboration, we aim to help our DISD partners prepare students, while addressing the current diesel maintenance mechanic workforce shortage in our industry.” 

Learning sessions will include multi-point vehicle inspections, engine fundamentals, and interior climate system maintenance. In addition to gaining technical proficiency, students will also gain leadership skills with the goal of preparing them for high-demand careers.

“Our students grow the most when they’re in the real world solving real problems,” said Oswaldo Alvarenga, DISD deputy chief of strategic initiatives. “For us, partnering with DART is a meaningful way to support the next generation of skilled technicians while creating immediate, hands-on impact for our students in high-demand career pathways.”