CTtransit and CT State Gateway Unite to Train the Next Generation of Technicians
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), CTtransit, and CT State Gateway are teaming up to prepare the next generation of battery electric bus (BEB) technicians. This blockbuster partnership will ensure that current CTtransit employees and aspiring technicians are well-equipped to maintain and advance the technology behind BEBs into the future.
"We are thrilled to partner with a statewide leader in education to train the next generation of technicians in electric bus technology. "This opportunity will see that public transit sustains long-term career growth and opportunities for rising stars," said Thomas E. Stringer Jr., General Manager of CTtransit.
Still in its planning stages, this partnership will combine hands-on learning with a training program customized to meet CTtransit's specific needs.
"We are hands-on people. We believe that's how students learn," said Allyn Manning, Professor and Chair of Automotive Technology at CT State Gateway.
"This is a collaboration to open doors," Christopher Allen, Zero Emissions Vehicle Training Program Manager, CTtransit. "This partnership allows us to build, maintain, and develop highly trained workers."
This program is made possible through a Low or No Emission Grant Program from the Federal Transit Administration, allowing funds to be used toward workforce development. These workforce development efforts will include a new bus simulator in the Hamden facility, new personal protection equipment, and facility upgrades, including charging stations and storage.
A goal for this partnership will be to establish a formal apprenticeship program, where CT State Gateway students will earn college credit while gaining practical experience at CTtransit. This talent pipeline would ensure a steady flow of qualified BEB technicians for CTtransit and provide CT State students with an opportunity for employment upon graduation.
"This can be a great partnership for our students,” said Allyn Manning. “They (begin working) as apprentices, right from our campus. It's a win-win all the way around."
"We are proud to collaborate with Gateway," said Nicholas P. Just, Transportation Planner II, CTDOT. As CTtransit builds out our apprenticeship program, we see Gateway playing an integral part in developing the curriculum and the certifications."
Both organizations are optimistic about the future as CTtransit and CT State Gateway continue to refine and expand the program.
"We can teach,” said Daniel Fuller, Professor and Chair of Automotive Technology at CT State Gateway. “CTtransit has a need and access to the knowledge, so if we can (combine) for workforce training that instantly transforms our workers and keeps them safe. What can be better than that?"
By combining education with hands-on training, CTtransit, and CT State Gateway are laying the foundation for long-term career growth in electric bustechnology. This ensures a sustainable, well-trained team to keep public transportation in Connecticut moving forward.
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT), CTtransit, and CT State Gateway are teaming up to prepare the next generation of battery electric bus (BEB) technicians. This blockbuster partnership will ensure that current CTtransit employees and aspiring technicians are well-equipped to maintain and advance the technology behind BEBs into the future.