The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority has been awarded almost $1 million for its apprenticeship program, training bus and light rail operators, overhead line workers, mechanics and track workers.

The California Department of Industrial relations and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards  granted the award of $951,625, as part of a $30 million offering to support apprenticeship programs throughout the state. This is the third round of Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF), a key investment in growing and sustaining apprenticeship programs in California. It particularly benefits programs that have already begun and need resources to grow.

VTA’s Joint Workforce Investment Program is a collaboration of VTA and ATU Local 265, supporting apprenticeships in partnership with Mission College, which allows apprentices to earn up between 18-26 college credits through each of the programs.  A new cohort of VTA apprentices will receive certificates of achievement from Mission College Saturday, October 18, 2025. This includes apprentices from Coach Operator, Light Rail Operator, Track Worker, and Overhead Line Worker.

Transportation is one of the fastest growing areas in non-traditional registered apprenticeships, contributing to a 76% growth rate overall since 2021, with the help of AIF.  California has the largest apprenticeship system in the nation and is addressing workforce needs by building a pipeline of skilled workers through on-the-job training programs. Apprenticeships offer numerous benefits, including addressing labor shortages, improving workforce retention, building career pathways, and enabling employers to design training tailored to their industry needs.