Public transportation plays a big role in a community -- helping people get to and from work and school. But now Richmond’s public transport agency is trying something new: workforce development.
Richmond’s Greater Transit Company employs about 80 mechanics, and they have to know how to work with a little bit of everything.
“Buses, with compressed natural gas busses, with diesel busses, with specialized transportation vehicles, electric vehicles,” lists GRTC spokeswoman Carrie Rose Pace.
She says the company is looking towards the future, when they’ll need more mechanics.
“We want to make sure that we’re connecting with the local community, cultivating that talent and being a good community partner to provide jobs and on the job training.”
This summer the GRTC is kicking off an apprenticeship program. Completing the program could take up to three years, but apprentices will be paid the entire time and don’t need any experience before they start.
“If someone isn’t sure that they want to go to college or they can’t afford to go to the technical institute nearest them, we are another option to get that education and have a paycheck at the same time,” says Rose Pace.
Starting pay for mechanics at GRTC is about $18/hr. Apprentice’s will start at about $14/hr. They’re accepting applications now.
This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.
