Transit GM Q&A: What are you doing to attract the next generation of talent to your agency?
METRO asked some of the top execs in the industry what they are doing to recruit the next generation of transportation leaders.
Dawson-August
Ann Dawson August, interim executive director/CEO
The COMET
Columbia, S.C
The COMET is trying to ensure that we recruit and retain the best and the brightest by working closely with the universities, providing internships, and have started a Leadership Academy to give a behind the scenes look at transit.
In addition to this, we are also making sure that we have an internal agency culture that motivates, encourages growth, and creativity; as well as ownership and a vision that continues to heighten the awareness of the changing transit environment.
Jerry Benson, President/CEO
Utah Transit Authority
Salt Lake City
UTA’s objective is to use our high-performing culture to attract and retain the best talent. We invest in talent development and have created a diesel technology pathways pipeline program, developed high school ‘shadowships’ and college internships, and established college scholarships. In addition, we use tools such as social media to communicate our positive work environment and mobile platforms to simplify the application process.
P. Scott Graham, CEO/GM
Omnitrans
San Bernardino, Calif.
With a wave of baby-boomer retirements on the horizon, Omnitrans has implemented two programs to attract and retain talent. First is our internship program for local college students. Along with introducing them to the transit industry, several have joined the Omnitrans team permanently. Second, is a new in-house leadership training program. With this we are focusing on equipping motivated middle managers with the tools necessary to move up within the organization.
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