The Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) has launched two Apprenticeship Programs in partnership with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development (DWD) and the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU). Wisconsin’s Coach/Bus Mechanic and Bus Operator Registered Apprenticeship Programs are the first Transit Apprenticeship Programs in the State. MCTS is offering an 18-month program for Mechanics through the Wisconsin DWD Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Once Apprentices fulfill program requirements, they can move into Mechanic positions with the MCTS. The curriculum consists of hands-on learning and mentorship at the MCTS. Each Apprentice will earn between $30-to-$33 per hour (depending on their position prior to starting the program) and each Trainer will receive an additional $4 per hour above their current wages for their time invested in the Apprentices, who will receive a Coach/Bus Mechanic Journey Worker’s Card issued by the State upon completion of the program. The MCTS notes the goal is to begin each 18-month program with two Mechanic Apprentices. "Wisconsin Apprenticeship helps develop a skilled workforce to meet industry needs and provides pathways to in-demand jobs like those in the Transit Field at MCTS," said DWD Secretary Amy Pechacek. "With record-breaking numbers of Registered Apprentices and youth Apprentices, the broad appeal of Apprenticeship is clear. It is an incredibly successful program for launching careers and building the workforce Wisconsin needs." 

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