News

TWC’s Virtual ATTAIN Meeting

Posted October 2023

On September 12, the Transit Workforce Center (TWC) held a virtual meeting of its American Transit Trainers and Apprenticeship Innovators Network (ATTAIN), focusing on rail and facilities maintenance occupations. Approximately 80 participants joined the meeting facilitated by ITLC’s Senior Policy Analyst Karitsa Holdzkom and Senior Workforce Development Advisor Maurice Beard, who provided an overview of the registered apprenticeship model and highlighted the resources created by and made available through TWC. ITLC staff then moderated a dynamic discussion with attendees and a panel of apprenticeship experts from the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) and Metropolitan Atlanta Rapid Transit Authority (MARTA). Representatives from labor and management at the two transit locations provided an overview of their rail maintenance programs, describing the benefits, the development, and the continual process of improving the program.

Panelists from MARTA and ATU Local 732 spoke about the positive return on investment seen through registered apprenticeship programs and the existing workforce benefits, including the opportunity for workers to advance their skills and progress to a position with increased pay. 

Panel speakers during the virtual ATTAIN meeting including (left to right, top to bottom) ITLC's Senior Workforce Development Advisor Maurice Beard, SMART 206's Auxiliary LRV Maintenance Supervisor Isaiah Zeitske, MTS's Superintendent of LRV Maintenance Andy Goddard, ITLC’s Senior Policy Analyst Karitsa Holdzkom, MARTA's Technical Training Manager Eric Peterson, and ATU Local 732 President/Business Agent Britt Dunams

Labor and management at MTS spoke about the upward mobility afforded to the MTS workforce through the electro-mechanical light-rail vehicle technician apprenticeship program and how the program has continuously provided the agency with the well-trained technicians it needs. As MTS's Superintendent of LRV Maintenance Andy Goddard stated, “Apprenticeship has become part of the culture.” A notable attribute shared by the programs and emphasized by the panelists was the partnership between the workforce and management that forms the foundation for apprenticeship and is crucial to the success and longevity of the program. After the panel discussion, attendees had the opportunity to interact and engage with the panelists and TWC staff by asking questions about specific details of the programs, the training partners involved, and helpful recruitment strategies.

View the full video recording of the meeting and presentation slides.