Who are the participants in the Guiding Star Mentor Program?

Participants in the program include experienced operators who act as mentors and new employees who are seeking guidance and support.

What objectives does the Guiding Star Mentor Program aim to achieve?

The program aims to support onboarding processes, improve employee retention, and promote long-term career growth for new employees.

How might the Guiding Star Mentor Program benefit new employees?

New employees benefit through receiving guidance and support from experienced operators, which can ease their transition, enhance their job satisfaction, and foster their career development.

Which organizations are collaborating on the Guiding Star Mentor Program?

STAR Transit and ITLC are the organizations collaborating on the Guiding Star Mentor Program.

STAR Transit, ITLC Team Up on Workforce Mentorship Initiative

The Guiding Star Mentor Program connects experienced operators with new employees to support onboarding, retention, and long-term career growth.

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March 24, 2026

Cover photo for Guiding Star mentorship program — In 2021, the FTA selected ITLC to operate the Transit Workforce Center (TWC) — the agency’s first-ever national technical assistance center focused on transit workforce development.
Credit:
METRO/STAR Transit

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The collaboration between STAR Transit and ITLC focuses on workforce mentorship.
The Guiding Star Mentor Program pairs seasoned operators with newcomers.
The initiative aims to enhance employee onboarding, retention, and career advancement.

*Summarized by AI

Terrel, Texas-based STAR Transit launched its Guiding Star Mentor Program in collaboration with the International Transportation Learning Center (ITLC), a national nonprofit organization based in Silver Spring, Maryland.

ITLC is dedicated to advancing frontline workforce development across critical industry sectors, including transportation, infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.

ITLC Partnership

In 2021, the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) selected ITLC to operate the Transit Workforce Center (TWC) — the agency’s first-ever national technical assistance center focused on transit workforce development.

Through TWC, ITLC supports public transportation providers and their partners with frontline workforce recruitment, hiring, retention, training, and career advancement strategies.

“The Guiding Star Mentor Program represents our commitment to investing in our people,” said STAR Transit’s Executive Director Tommy Henricks. “Through this collaboration with the Transit Workforce Center, we are strengthening training, mentorship, and career pathways that will help our workforce grow and succeed.”

The Mentorship Program

Transportation Director Antonio Harris leads the Guiding Star Mentor Program. Three regional mentors — who are current STAR Transit operators — have been selected to support and mentor new hires, helping them transition successfully into their roles.

According to ITLC, creating, supporting, and retaining a strong, skilled workforce requires high-quality training programs, particularly in occupations affected by rapidly changing technologies and evolving workforce needs.

Effective mentorship programs contribute to positive outcomes, including improved recruitment and retention, as well as opportunities for employees to advance through internal career ladders.

“At the end of the day, our success depends on the strength of our workforce,” Henricks added. “The Guiding Star Mentor Program reflects our long-term commitment to supporting our employees while delivering safe, reliable, and forward-thinking transit services.”

Quick Answers

The Guiding Star Mentor Program is an initiative that connects experienced operators with new employees to help with onboarding, retention, and long-term career growth.