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Putting Innovation to Work In Public Transportation; APTA Launches Pilot Modules, Virtual Workforce Development Pilot Site

Making the right investments in lifelong learning is as important for the public transportation industry as making the right investments in capital projects,” said APTA President and CEO Paul P. Skoutelas at APTA’s Workforce Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this year. “APTA has a comprehensive Program underway to help our members strengthen the competencies of current employees and attract and retain a diverse, skilled and knowledgeable workforce to meet tomorrow’s needs.”

Since last fall, APTA has focused on two strategic workforce initiatives: envisioning and creating online learning resources that will impact tomorrow’s workforce and investigating new models for industry certification and credentialing programs. These initiatives began under APTA Immediate Past Chair Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. and continue under APTA Chair David M. Stackrow Sr.

Under the leadership of Bacarra Sanderson Mauldin, member of the APTA Executive Committee, and Paul Larrousse, chair of the Workforce Development Committee, APTA engaged the talents and expertise of members and consultants to produce two customized pilot e-Learning modules—one for new public transit supervisors and one for executive-level deputies. APTA also commissioned a comprehensive study and set of recommendations as the public transit industry assesses and evaluates potential certification and credentialing models.

In addition, APTA has re-envisioned its current workforce portal and is creating a new virtual pilot site, an industry go-to resource to access learning and development opportunities, national and regional programs and industry best practices.

These efforts were made possible in part through a grant from the National Network of Business and Industry Associations.

Pilot Online Learning Modules

The public transportation industry is rapidly transforming from traditional modal systems to one focused on integrated mobility. In response, the industry is creating new tools and programs to prepare its workforce differently as it adapts to current and future challenges.

As younger industry supervisors replace Baby Boomer retirees, there must be opportunities in place for them to improve essential skill sets, including how to prepare for and conduct difficult conversations.

This pilot module for new supervisors helps lay that groundwork through industry-specific scenarios, case studies and online journaling.

Public transit industry deputies will benefit from an innovative pilot module that takes its stories and lessons learned from current industry deputies, CEOs and executive leaders. This module helps new deputies better lead, represent their organizations, make difficult decisions and be ready to take charge at a moment’s notice.

APTA officially launched both modules at its 2018 Annual Meeting in Nashville, TN. The association is planning to conduct additional testing this fall to finetune these modules and is seeking member volunteers to provide additional input. To participate in further testing, contact Brandon Roccio, APTA program manager-educational services, at broccio@apta.com.

Certification and Credentialing

The APTA Certification and Credentialing Industry Recommendations Report was presented and highlighted at various venues during the Annual Meeting. These recommendations will help APTA leaders make informed decisions and determine next steps for APTA and the industry.

Virtual Workforce Development Pilot Site

APTA’s Virtual Center for Workforce Development-pilot site, to be rolled out this fall, will provide a renovated, easily accessible portal for national, regional and local programs, studies, webinars, e-Learning, industry best practices and much more.

Public transportation must transform its learning resources to exceed the expectations of its new workforce. Thanks to the support and leadership of APTA members and other industry visionaries, these pilot programs and resources are expected to provide APTA with accessible and flexible venues and platforms for industry members to grow, learn, collaborate and enrich the industry.

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