Program #2 and #3: Electrical and Diesel Maintenance

Relying on both diesel and electric power, Muni faces a chronic shortage of qualified mechanics and technicians in diesel trolley coach and light rail. There is no systematic recruitment or training strategy.

Electronic maintenance diagnosis systems and digital and microprocessor-based subsystems are becoming pervasive in new buses and rail cars, along with cleaner bus engine systems. New skills are needed to supplement the traditional mechanical and electro-mechanical skills of bus maintainers and car maintainers. Shortages are especially acute for more highly skilled vehicle mechanics.

The Transit Career Ladder Partnership opens up career ladder opportunities within Muni to current Muni employees, including automotive service workers and car cleaners. This would allow these employees in what are currently "dead end" jobs to have access to better paid, career oriented jobs. Entry into these jobs will open up additional opportunities for training and advancement.

Entry-level jobs in the maintenance of Muni's electrically powered and diesel fleet include Electrical Line Helper, Assistant Electrical Maintenance Technician, and Electrical Transit System Mechanic. Applicants who wish to test for these positions must have 12 credits of classroom training and two years of work experience. Applicants for diesel mechanic position must also have 12 credits of classroom training and two years of work experience.

The Transit Career Ladder Partnership is working with the City College Transportation Institute to provide the requisite classroom training to car cleaners and automotive service technicians to qualify them to test for these positions. In order to attain the necessary two years of work experience, program participants will be permitted to work out of classification. Current regulations allow city employees to work out of classification for no more than six months. The Partnership is working with the Civil Service Commission to make an exception for participants in the Transit Career Ladder Partnership, so that they can work out of classification for an additional 18 months.

A supporting English and Math program may require an additional time commitment. The Transportation institute is also developing a counseling and mentorship program to provide support for students.