Marines returning to civilian life landed at the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) last week as part of an innovative program to introduce the men and women to careers in transportation.
Industry professionals from OCTA, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority, Caltrans and Veolia Transportation detailed the broad spectrum of careers available in the transportation field, including engineering, planning, project management, construction, mechanics, maintenance, driving, finance, communications and administration.
“Our marines have an incredible gift of service and gained valuable knowledge during their time in the military,” said Art Leahy, CEO of OCTA. “OCTA and the transportation industry can provide them the opportunity to utilize the training they received while continuing to serve their community.”
The Careers in Transportation Day program featured presentations from various speakers on each aspect of the transportation industry. The day ended with a tour of an OCTA bus base that covered the maintenance training program, facilities maintenance and bus operations.
The program developed during talks between OCTA executives and Camp Pendleton’s leadership following the transportation agency’s participation in a mentoring program through California State University Fullerton.
