Amtrak Launches New Apprenticeship Pilot Program

Amtrak announced its Apprenticeship Pilot Program, providing opportunities for professional development and creating an official path to learn on the job. 

Representing a mix of new hires and existing employees with diverse backgrounds, students will begin in the classroom and move to hands-on work in a specific trade.

“With a focus on safety and Amtrak values, the apprenticeship program offers an opportunity for employees to develop new skills and expand their career,” said Qiana Spain Amtrak EVP. “As we aim to produce top quality trainings that attract new and existing employees, we are thrilled to offer this opportunity.”

With funding from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, Amtrak can effectively invest in people, helping them forge professional careers.

“Working people aren’t just looking for jobs – they want meaningful careers they can raise families on, in positions where they feel seen, heard, and invested in. Apprenticeship and effective training programs, just like this one, are proven ways to grow workforces, attract and retain the right talent, and help working people expand their skillsets,” said John Feltz, director of the Transport Workers Union Rail Division. “We are working with Congress to ensure Amtrak and the FRA have the necessary funding to develop more trainings like this one that provide well paid, meaningful jobs for generations to come. We are proud to support Amtrak in this endeavor.”

Regardless of their specializations, all apprentices must take core courses including safety, environmental awareness, personal protective equipment, and others before meeting their mentors and moving into combined classroom and hands-on instruction, then branching off into craft-specific training.

After three years of training, students take a final exam and become full mechanics.

Amtrak said its goal is to connect talented people to Amtrak career opportunities. Amtrak offers hiring bonuses and relocation packages to fill positions.