Sacramento RT receives state certification for bus apprenticeship program

The Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT), in partnership with International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1245, received state certification by the Department of Industrial Relations for a Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship Program, the first in Northern California.

“How we develop our workforce and train future generations of mechanics is critical to RT,” said Henry Li, RT GM/CEO. “The maintenance of our fleet of compressed natural gas buses is highly specialized because they require unique features that support carrying passengers.”

"Becoming certified by the state brings valuable training resources and funding,” said Tom Dalzell, business manager, IBEW Local 1245. “It also provides important prestige and recognition for those who complete the program.”

The 36-month program trains individuals to be a journey-level bus mechanic. Students take classes at community colleges and receive on-the-job training. Having trained and qualified mechanics is critical to RT’s mission of providing reliable bus service to the Sacramento region.