When Sharieka Thomas joined Milwaukee County Transit System in 2017, she began by cleaning buses and filling up gas tanks as a way to provide for her young family. Working third shift, she’d look across the garage at the mechanics fixing brakes or diagnosing engine issues. She thought to herself that she could do it. It would be the next level up for her. But without a way to earn while she learned, Sharieka wouldn’t be able to get the skills she needed to move up.
The new apprenticeship programs Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) launched will offer Sharieka and others like her life-changing career opportunities they want to pursue. In partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS), Wisconsin’s Coach/Bus Mechanic and Bus Operator Registered Apprenticeship programs are the first such apprenticeships in the state. The programs launched on the eve of National Apprenticeship Day on April 30 and align with Governor Tony Evers’ statewide recognition of apprenticeships as a cornerstone of Wisconsin’s workforce development strategy.
"Wisconsin Apprenticeship helps develop a skilled workforce to meet industry needs and provides pathways to in-demand jobs like those in the transit field at MCTS," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "With record-breaking numbers of registered apprentices and youth apprentices, the broad appeal of apprenticeship is clear. It is an incredibly successful program for launching careers and building the workforce Wisconsin needs."
MCTS Interim President and CEO Julie Esch said, “Millions of people rely on public transit to get to work. We encourage other transit agencies across the state to start a similar workforce initiative to address the shortage of bus operators and mechanics. This shortage comes in the face of a growing trend of increased bus ridership in Wisconsin.”
“Congratulations to our Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 998-Milwaukee, and MCTS for establishing Wisconsin’s first registered Coach/Bus Mechanic and Bus Operator Apprenticeship programs. As a leader in developing workforce development programs in the transit industry, our union knows these programs are critical in preparing transit workers for the challenges on the job and helping them to advance careers,” said ATU International President John Costa. “Collaboration with union and management works because our members know the demands of the job better than anyone. We believe these innovative programs will serve as a model for transit agencies across Wisconsin.”
About the Coach/Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship
Milwaukee County Transit System is offering an 18-month Registered Apprenticeship program for mechanics, through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Once the apprentices fulfill program requirements, they can move into mechanic positions with MCTS.
- The curriculum consists of hands-on learning and mentorship at MCTS.
- Because the lack of a toolkit is often a barrier to moving up the career ladder into a mechanic position, MCTS will award each mechanic apprentice with a set of tools valued at $4,000 for their training, which will become the apprentice’s own when they complete the program.
- Each apprentice will earn between $30-$33 per hour (depending on their position prior to starting the program). Each trainer will receive an additional $4 per hour above their current wages for their time invested in the apprentices.
- The apprentices will receive a Coach/Bus Mechanic Journey worker’s card issued by the State of Wisconsin upon completion of the program.
- The goal is to begin each 18-month program with two mechanic apprentices.
About the Coach/Bus Operator Apprenticeship
Milwaukee County Transit System is offering a 12-month Registered Apprenticeship program for new bus operators, through the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. In addition to on-the-job learning, apprentices will also meet with a mentor who will provide additional guidance to ensure the long-term success of the apprentice.
- The apprenticeship program is expected to improve the retention of new bus operators.
- The operator apprentices are selected both internally and externally for the full-year program. Each candidate will have excellent customer service skills.
- Each operator apprentice will be assigned to a mentor. The mentor will be a current employee who can coach the new employee and share experiences—all have been bus operators at Milwaukee County Transit System for at least 3 years.
- Each apprentice will earn $24.54 per hour. Each mentor-trainer will receive an additional $2 per hour above their current wages for their time invested in the apprentices.
- Apprentices will receive a Coach/Bus Operator Journey worker’s card issued by the State of Wisconsin upon completion of the program.
Thomas, a mechanic apprentice in the inaugural class, said, “I think of a mechanic’s job as getting people to work. The buses never stop; we run 365 days a year. So, I help keep the buses on the road that people rely on to support their families. It’s my way of giving back to the community.”
MCTS’s goal is to begin with an inaugural group of 25 operator apprentices and two mechanic apprentices. MCTS is now accepting applications for the next class in the fall. For more information, please visit RideMCTS.com/Careers.
The apprenticeship event featured remarks from state and county leaders, a ceremonial apprenticeship signing, and a presentation of toolboxes and gear to the inaugural class of apprentices, including Sharieka Thomas, second from right.