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TO: |
Local Advisory Council |
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THROUGH: |
Jay Fox, Executive Director |
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FROM: |
Kim Shanklin, Chief People Officer |
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PRESENTER(S): |
Kim Shanklin, Chief People Officer |
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Stacey Palacios, Manager Training and Development |
TITLE:
title
Rail Apprenticeship Programs
end
AGENDA ITEM TYPE:
Discussion
RECOMMENDATION:
Informational report for discussion.
BACKGROUND:
In the 2022 Budget, UTA has funded accelerated development of three new Rail Maintenance Programs to address critical workforce needs. These programs will include apprenticeship programs for Light Rail, FrontRunner and Maintenance of Way (MOW). The nation and the state of Utah have seen significant decline in the number of workers entering the trades after high school. The State of Utah has identified apprenticeship as a key solution to this issue. UTA has seen success with its own Bus Diesel and Body Shop Apprenticeship programs. UTA was recently recognized as an “Apprentice Champion” by the State Workforce Services and the Apprenticeship Utah network.
DISCUSSION:
Over the next five years, UTA projects that 22% of its top rail mechanics and MOW workers will reach retirement age or be eligible to retire. Rail maintenance skills and knowledge are not available in the local labor market. UTA must hire workers with basic knowledge and potential, and then train them on the unique skillset to preserve, maintain, and keep UTA’s rail assets in a state of good repair. To expedite development of the program, UTA will utilize a hybrid approach combining UTA staff and third-party vendor contracts for curriculum development. UTA is leveraging funds realized through one-time federal stimulus funding to ensure expedited program development.
ALTERNATIVES:
N/A
FISCAL IMPACT:
Click or tap here to enter text. UTA’s 2022 Budget includes $5.1 million in operating funds and $2.0 million in capital investments to design and begin delivery of three Rail maintenance Apprenticeship Programs.
ATTACHMENTS:
Rail Maintenance Apprenticeship White Paper - updated 1-2022