Workers building Los Angeles County’s vast – and still growing – transportation system are getting a boost from the federal government to take their skills to the next level.
County Supervisor Mark Ridley-Thomas, who chairs the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, joined U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx yesterday to announce $1.1 million in federal grants for local workforce development.
“Metro needs a diverse group of well-trained and skilled employees as it embarks on one of the largest public works programs in the nation,” Mr. Ridley-Thomas said at Los Angeles Trade Tech, a beneficiary of the grants.
“By investing in the human capital needed to redefine our transportation system, we are changing the landscape of the region.
Trade Tech and the Community Career Development Inc./L.A. Valley College will both receive grants allocated through the Federal Transit Administration’s Public Transportation Workforce Development program. Metro will provide matching funds.
Trade Tech will receive $775,000 from the federal government to establish the Institute for Advanced Transportation Technology Training – the first of its kind in a community college in the country.
Community Career Development Inc./L.A. Valley College, meanwhile, is setting aside its $331,000 share for its Moving Employees into Transit Related Opportunities program, which will recruit and train low-income individuals, women, veterans, minorities, and others.
“In Los Angeles and across the country,” said Mr. Foxx, “as ridership continues to trend upward and major transit projects are planned, built, and put into service, the transit industry will continue to see high demand for skilled workers.
“We are committed to making careers in transit a pathway to education, financial security, and other ladders of opportunity, especially for those in disadvantaged communities,” he added.
The grants come at a crucial time in the transportation industry. The federal Depts. of Transportation, Education, and Labor recently released a report, “Strengthening Skills Training and Career Pathways Across the Transportation Industry.”
The report details projected increases in future demand for skilled transportation workers.
According to the analysis, employers will need to hire and train 4.6 million new workers – 1.2 times the current transportation workforce – due to expected growth, retirements and turnover in the transportation industry from 2012 to 2022.
Also at the event were acting FTA Administrator Therese McMillan, L.A. Community College District Board of Trustees President Scott Svonkin, state Community Colleges Chancellor Dr. Brice Harris, Trade-Tech Vice President of Workforce Development Leticia Barajas, and Community Career Development Inc. Executive Director Gloria Moore.