VTA Apprenticeships

TRN-010: Introduction to Transit Industry Careers (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Introduction to careers in the public transit industry. Gain knowledge of departments and career pathways in public transit.

TRN-101: Foundations of Public Service for Transit Workers (1.0 Lecture/1.0 Lab) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Students are introduced to public transit agencies and the personal and interpersonal skills needed in serving the public. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Coach Operator Apprenticeship Program or the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

TRN-102: Public Service and Stress Management for Public Transit Employees (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to the relationship between delivering professional public service and managing stress factors inherent in the transit industry. Students acquire fundamental knowledge of public service strategies and stress management skills needed for a career in transit industry operations. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

TRN-103: Community Health Issues for Public Transit Employees (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to common community health problems and issues they are likely to encounter on the job in the public transit industry. Topics include biohazards, communicable disease, and occupational safety. Additionally, students are taught a framework for understanding and handling interactions with members of the community suffering from difficult health issues, such as substance abuse or mental illness. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate Program.

TRN-104: Peer Mentoring for Public Transit Workers: One-on-One Skills (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to the basic elements of one-on-one peer mentoring in a transit industry environment. Students acquire fundamental knowledge of the personal and interpersonal skills needed to be an effective peer mentor in entry-level transit operations. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

TRN-105: Group Facilitation and Training Skills for Peer Mentors (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of facilitating effective meetings in a public transit environment. Topics include the differences between leading and facilitating, fundamental facilitation techniques, and personal strategies for facilitators to maintain neutrality while guiding meeting participants to successful outcomes. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

TRN-106: Interpersonal Communication for Transit Workers (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to the principles of effective interpersonal communication in public transit professions. Topics include verbal and non-verbal communication, active listening, and accountability in communication. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

TRN-107: Labor/Management Problem Solving in Public Transit (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to the principles of effective labor/management problem solving in public transit professions. Topics include an overview of labor and management, trust building, and developing problem solving strategies. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate Program.

TRN-108: Performance Coaching for Public Transit Leaders (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to the principles of effective performance coaching in unionized public transit professions. Topics include leadership roles, management styles, and positive performance coaching. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

TRN-109: Transit Business Technology and Practices for Transit Employees (0.5 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students acquire fundamental technology skills necessary in today's public transit agencies, including computer basics, simple usage of Microsoft Office applications, and accessing the Internet. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate Program.

TRN-110: Transit Operations for New Leaders (2.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Students are introduced to major support departments in public transit bus (coach) operations: coach maintenance, transit planning and scheduling, transit radio dispatching, and field supervision. Students learn the major functions, relationships, and overall impact of these departments on delivering safe and reliable public bus service on the street. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

TRN-121: Way, Power, & Signal Maintenance Core Training I (0.5 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to the Way, Power, and Signal shop floor and basic safety protocols. This course prepares students for positions in light rail maintenance. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to light rail apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-122: Way, Power, & Signal Maintenance Core Training II (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to ladder safety, basic Traffic Control, electrical safety, and lockout/tag out security. This course prepares students for positions in light rail maintenance. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to light rail apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-123: Way, Power, & Signal Maintenance Core Training III (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to rail certification (rules and regulations) and roadway worker protection (safety in the railroad environment). This course prepares students for positions in light rail maintenance. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to light rail apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-131: Basic Principles of Track Maintenamce I (1.5 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Students are introduced to track structure, safety and use of track, track tools, roadbed, crossties, and ballast. This course prepares students for entry-level positions in railway track work. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Track Worker Apprenticeship Program.

TRN-132: Basic Principles of Track Maintenance II (1.5 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Students are introduced to rail maintenance, rail joint maintenance, track alignment and gage, track surface, turnouts, and roadway maintenance. This course prepares students for entry-level positions in railway track work. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Track Worker Apprenticeship Program.

TRN-133: Advanced Principles of Track Maintenance I (1.5 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Students are introduced to rail replacement, cutting and welding, turnouts and trackwork, track construction, railroad grade crossing, and management and security. This course prepares students for entry-level positions in railway track work. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Track Worker Apprenticeship Program.

TRN-134: Advanced Principles of Track Maintenance II (1.5 Lecture/1.0 Lab) (Min Credits: 2.5)

Students are introduced to operation work equipment, vegetation control, rail defects, track inspection, Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) track standards, and derailment work. This course prepares students for entry-level positions in railway track work. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Track Worker Apprenticeship Program.

TRN-141: Principles of Electricity and Test Equipment (2.5 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 3.0)

This course covers basic principles of electricity and use of electrical test equipment. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Core apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-142: Electrical Safety for the Trades (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course covers the dangers of electricity and how to recognize and avoid electrical hazards. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Core apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-143: DC Theory and Power Components (2.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Advisory: MAT 903 or High School Algebra I, or equivalent. This course covers DC (Direct Current) theory and various power components used in overhead line work. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Core apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-144: Traction Power Safety Practices (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course covers safe practices for the use of traction power systems. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Core apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-151: Overhead Line Worker Apprenticeship Fundamentals I (Min Credits: 2.5)

Prerequisite: Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Worker apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. This course covers high voltage, NFPA 70E, red tag power outage procedures, print reading and documentation, and hand and power tools. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Worker apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority. Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-152: Overhead Line Worker Apprenticeship Fundamentals II (1.5 Lecture/1.0 Lab) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course covers traction power tools and test equipment, traction power substations, power distribution and control, and overhead contact systems. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Worker apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-153: Overhead Line Worker Apprenticeship Fundamentals III (2.0 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course covers fall protection, rigging and hoisting, hi-rail vehicles, bucket truck and bucket rescue, grounding, and confined space entry. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Worker apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-154: Catenary Safe Work Practices (4.0 Lecture/1.0 Lab) (Min Credits: 5.0)

This course covers the hazards of working on overhead catenary lines, and how to effectively protect against them. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Worker apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-155: Mobile Crane - Boom Truck (1.5 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 2.0)

This course covers safe use of the mobile crane (boom truck). Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Overhead Line Worker apprenticeship program at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-201: Service Mechanic: Orientation & Safety (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course covers an orientation to VTA, the mechanic helper program, the shop floor, familiarization with the fleet, and electrical safety. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-202: Service Mechanic: Tools & Fasteners (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course focuses on tools and fasteners: correct work methods, care and selection of tools, common tools and uses, and common fasteners and uses. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-203A: Service Mechanic: Electrical/Electronics 1 (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course covers direct current, circuits, Ohm's Law, and Watt's Law. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the ServiceMechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-203B: Service Mechanic: Electrical/Electronics 2 (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

Advisory: TRN 203A This course covers batteries, starters, and the ATEC course on wiring, circuits, and schematics. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-204: Service Mechanic: Air Brakes (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course introduces students to the air brake system used on VTA buses. Classroom theory on brake systems along Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) will be emphasized. Topics include: air foundation brakes, air supply system, air service circuits, special circuits, and mechanical components. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-205: Service Mechanic: Transmission (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course covers transmission, including safety, driveline checks, hydraulics, and other related topics. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-206: Service Mechanic: Diesel Engine (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course focuses on diesel engine theory and components. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-207: Service Mechanic: Hybrid Familiarization (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course focuses on hybrid engine systems and the different ways to work with them vs. traditional diesel engines. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-208: Service Mechanic: I/O Controls (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course focuses on Input/Output controls found on hybrid vehicles (onboard computer). Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-209: Service Mechanic: Preventative Maintenance - PMI (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course focuses on preventative maintenance practices, such as routine inspections. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-210: Service Mechanic: Overhaul & Repair Orientation (2.5 Lecture) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course focuses on an overview of the Overhaul and Repair Department at public transit agencies. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-401: Coach Operator: New Operator Training I (1.5 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 2.0)

This classroom/lab instruction course for Coach Operator Apprentices focuses on DMV legal regulations as they apply to the mass transit industry. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Coach Operator apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-402: Coach Operator: New Operator Training II (2.5 Lecture/2.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 5.0)

Advisory: TRN 401 This classroom/lab instruction course for Coach Operator apprentices focuses on transit operations - rules and regulations, and processes. Apprentices also complete training in the field. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admittedto the Coach Operator apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-403: Coach Operator: New Operator Training III (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory: TRN 401 This classroom instruction course for Coach Operator apprentices focuses on customer service, internal relationships between departments, and personal well-being. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Coach Operator apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-404: Coach Operator: New Operator Training IV (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory: TRN 401 This classroom instruction course for Coach Operator Apprentices focuses on safety and security while driving. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Coach Operator apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-405: Coach Operator: New Operator Training V (1.0 Lecture) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Advisory: TRN 401 This classroom instruction course for Coach Operator Apprentices focuses on technical proficiency with coach equipment, troubleshooting, and vehicle inspection. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Coach Operator apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-421: Transit Dispatching and Radio Communications (4.0 Lecture/4.0 Lab) (Min Credits: 8.0)

This intensive course covers the combined classroom and field training sections of Transit Radio Dispatcher (TRD) training. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Transit Radio Dispatcher apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

TRN-441: Business Technology and Writing for Supervisors (0.5 Lecture/0.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 1.0)

This course covers fundamental technology and professional written communication skills necessary for supervisory roles in today's public transit agencies. Per California Code of Regulations, this course is limited to students admitted to the Transit Supervisor apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

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