Transit Systems

Business & Technology

Transit Career Ladders Project (TCLP)

The Transit Career Ladders Project (TCLP) creates opportunities for job seekers and current workers to begin or advance their careers in the public transit industry, with great wages and benefits. People of all ages and backgrounds are welcome to join this career ladder opportunity!

The program is designed to meet the needs of two groups of students: (1) students who want to gain entry level positions in Transportation (bus/coach operator) or Maintenance (bus and rail mechanics) Operations; and (2) current public transit employees who want to gain knowledge and skills to advance their careers in public transportation.

Peer mentors – veteran workers – are an integral part of these classes, offering students first hand wisdom, knowledge and support in an apprentice-style learning environment.

TCLP is an award-winning partnership between San Jose City College, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 (ATU). It is currently funded by a Job Development Incentive Fund (JDIF) grant from the California Community College Chancellor’s Office.

Entry level “pipeline” classes are designed as 8 hour, ½ unit courses that give students basic familiarity with public transit. These courses are especially suitable for unemployed or under-prepared students exploring career options:

TRANS 10 Introduction to Transit Industry Careers
TRANS 11 Commercial Drivers License Permit Preparation
TRANS 12 Mechanical/Electrical Aptitude for Transit Fleet Maintenance
TRANS 14 Introduction to Health and Safety in Transit Maintenance

A new Transit Academy 16 unit certificate is being designed for current public transit workers. The current class being taught is:

TRANS 101 Foundations of Public Service for Transit Workers

Courses currently in the approval process are:

TRANS 110A Public service and stress management for public transit employees
TRANS 120A One-on-one peer mentoring for public transit workers
TRANS 130A Interpersonal communication for transit workers
TRANS 130B Labor/management problem solving in public transit
TRANS 130C Performance coaching for transit leaders

Classes are offered, as needed, at various locations including social service agencies and employer training facilities.

Please go to our video links to learn more about students’ successful training experiences through TCLP.

MCLTP (full version)

MCLTP (short version)

Mentor Voices Overview