San Diego Metropolitan Transit System

Claire Spielberg

Chief Operating Officer, SDMTS

MTS Transit Services Apprenticeship

Training Program

• Joint Labor & Management Program

• Sponsored by the State of California

• Community College as formal education provider

• On-the-Job training utilizes senior A mechanics as Mentors

• 3 to 4 year commitment from essentially unskilled employees

Structure of SDMTS Bus Apprenticeship

Program

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• Weak, unsupported in-house program

• During labor negotiations in 2004, the California State

Apprenticeship Program was proposed as a

replacement

• With Management and Labor backing, an application

was submitted to the State

History

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Features

“It takes time to make a fine mechanic”

• 4 years of training is critical to prepare highly skilled journeymen that can work across all disciplines.

• Today’s mechanic must be able to: – Evaluate sensors

– Read PLC prints

– Wring out electrical cables

– AND do the dirty, knuckle-busting grunt work of turning wrenches and getting bus grime in the face

– A far cry from the old school mechanics that could only do engine work, or electrical work

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Features“However, we are a business, and our business

is repairing buses.”

• Apprentices must work in the shop throughout their education to apply what they learn.

• Typical work performed:

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Engine no start/shuts downEngine misfireLow powerTransmission shifts rough/slipsTransmission does not shift

No evaporator or condenser fanNo cooling/no heatNo start/no chargeDoor will not close or openPLC failure

Features• All community college classes are attended on their

own time requiring a minimum grade of C

• Class fees are waived by college for Apprenticeship Programs – MTS Bus pays for all supplies

• Apprentices work in the shop under the watchful eye of volunteer Mentors who receive additional pay

• In house classes present modules that support shop work and complements college classes

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Entry Requirements:Apprentices must pass Placement Test at local community college;

Successfully pass the Apprenticeship Interview;

And have appropriate seniority.

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• Basic safety, basic mechanics

• Brake reline

• S-cam bearings R&R

• Brake diaphragm R&R

• Slack adjuster R&R

• Air brake systems

• Perform air brake system checks

• Pass shop work evaluations

• Pass final written test

Probationary Training

40 Days

• Those who pass move on to the actual Training Program

• Those who do not pass return to their previous position

• Apprentices are instructed in the following areas under direct supervision of the Training Department:

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Program Training

• Apprentices progress through the following work disciplines supervised by a Mentor or the Maintenance Instructor:– Electrical

– Air conditioning/heating

– Suspension

– Wheelchair ramp

– Engine

– Transmission

– Preventive Maintenance

Inspection

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Advanced Training

1. Upon completion of program training, Apprentices perform more advanced repairs and troubleshooting in the following disciplines:

– Electrical

– Air conditioning/heating

– Suspension

– Wheelchair ramp

– Engine

– Transmission

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2. Apprentices work directly for a Mentor or Maintenance Instructor.

3. Progress is monitored and managed by Training and Maintenance Departments.

4. Apprentice performance evaluated by Mentors, Instructors, and shop Foremen.

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5. Apprentices are moved into troubleshooting as soon feasible.

6. Apprentices close to graduation are sent to the swing shift for three months to prove their ability to work independently.

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Mentors

• Hand-picked and screened to provide the best possible training and supervision.

• Are an invaluable part of the Apprenticeship Program.

• Because Shop Mentors spend so much time developing Apprentices, they feel a sense of ownership in the Apprentice’s success, and the success of the program.

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Daily Job Assignment(Foreman Critical Role)

• Daily work assignments are based on shop repairs needed, Mentor availability, and Apprentice needs.

• Occasionally, this can be a challenging task.

• Almost always, there is sufficient work to keep Apprentices working and progressing their training.

• To progress training, some Mentors ‘bug’ a bus by planting a defective component to simulate a problem, then let the Apprentice demonstrate how to solve the problem.

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Early Graduation

• Apprentices with no previous experience can graduate 6 months early, depending on their progress.

• Apprentices with previous experience can graduate earlier depending on their experience.

• Early graduation is based on meritorious performance.

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Unforeseen Rewards

• Because key bargaining unit personnel are part of the Joint Apprenticeship Training Program, the union has a strong sense of pride in the Journeymen they produce, and in the Apprenticeship Program.

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• Apprentices return from Community College and pass on what they have learned to others.

• Many Apprentices havecontinued their education and have earned an Associate’s Degree in Diesel Technology at San Diego Miramar College.

Pay It Forward

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• The Apprenticeship Program has produced Journeymen who are the best troubleshooters in the shop today.

• Because of their success in learning in the Apprenticeship Program, Journeymen can easily teach themselves to adapt to new technology.

Excellence Achieved

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In Conclusion

• Routine work is now accomplished by one Journeyman on mechanical AND electrical systems where previously 2 mechanics would be required.

• Efficient and cost-effective troubleshooting is now the standard for mechanics, no longer just parts replacement.

• Greatly improved productivity from fewer mechanics!

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Thank You!

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