Today, International President John Costa was at the Local 689-Washington, DC, Union Hall to learn about the Local’s successful joint labor-management apprenticeship and mentorship programs at WMATA and Fairfax Connector to continue to expand our Union’s workforce development programs across North America. Costa was joined by International Executive Vice President Yvette Trujillo, International Vice President Anthony Garland, and ATU Director of Workforce Development and Apprenticeships Jamaine Gibson.
“It’s an honor to be here with you today to hear from you, our members, and management how your innovative apprenticeship and mentorship programs are expanding opportunities for our members to advance their careers and for WMATA to hire skilled workers,” said Costa. “These Local 689 WMATA and Fairfax Connector workforce development programs are very impressive and provide models to help our Union continue to set the standard for apprenticeships and mentorships across our industry.”
Local 689 President/Business Agent Raymond Jackson, Recording Secretary Barry Wilson, Executive Board Members, Local mentors and apprentices, and WMATA and Fairfax Connector officials spoke about how working together is critical to the success of these programs.
One of the highlights was an innovative CDL Learner’s Permit and GED Class run by Local 689 at their Union Hall to prepare and give potential operators an opportunity for a career in the public transit industry. Costa spoke about how this class serves as a model to expand to our Locals across our Union.
Our mentors and apprentices from the Fairfax Connector Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship Program and the WMATA Elevator/Escalator Apprenticeship Program shared the positive impact these programs are having on their careers and their families.
Thanks to our Local 689 for hosting us and our members for sharing their inspiring stories.