The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) launched new Coach/Bus Mechanic and Bus Operator Registered Apprenticeship programs, in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU).

The programs align with Gov. Tony Evers’ statewide recognition of apprenticeships as a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s workforce development strategy.

“We encourage other transit agencies across the state to start a similar workforce initiative to address the shortage of bus operators and mechanics,” said MCTS Interim President/CEO Julie Esch. “This shortage comes in the face of a growing trend of increased bus ridership in Wisconsin.”

MCTS’ Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship Program

MCTS is offering an 18-month Registered Apprenticeship program for mechanics, through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. 

Once the apprentices fulfill program requirements, they can move into mechanic positions with MCTS.

• The curriculum consists of hands-on learning and mentorship at MCTS.

• Because the lack of a toolkit is often a barrier to moving up the career ladder into a mechanic position, MCTS will award each mechanic apprentice with a set of tools valued at $4,000 for their training, which will become the apprentice’s own when they complete the program.

• Each apprentice will earn between $30 to $33 per hour (depending on their position prior to starting the program). Each trainer will receive an additional $4 per hour above their current wages for their time invested in the apprentices.

• The apprentices will receive a Coach/Bus Mechanic Journey worker’s card issued by the State of Wisconsin upon completion of the program.

• The goal is to begin each 18-month program with two mechanic apprentices.

About the Bus Operator Program

The agency is also offering a 12-month Registered Apprenticeship program for new bus operators, through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. 

In addition to on-the-job learning, apprentices will also meet with a mentor who will provide additional guidance to ensure the long-term success of the apprentice. 

• The apprenticeship program is expected to improve the retention of new bus operators.

• The operator apprentices are selected both internally and externally for the full-year program. Each candidate will have excellent customer service skills.

• Each operator apprentice will be assigned to a mentor. The mentor will be a current employee who can coach the new employee and share experiences — all have been bus operators at Milwaukee County Transit System for at least three years.

• Each apprentice will earn $24.54 per hour. Each mentor-trainer will receive an additional $2 per hour above their current wages for their time invested in the apprentices.

• Apprentices will receive a Coach/Bus Operator Journey worker’s card issued by the State of Wisconsin upon completion of the program.

MCTS’s goal is to begin with an inaugural group of 25 operator apprentices and two mechanic apprentices, with the agency now accepting applications for the next class in the fall.