Pioneering the Rail Apprenticeship

by Pauline Mae Allera
Communications Division

As the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) expands, our opportunities for knowledge do as well. With that in mind, CATS has established the Electronic Sustainable Environmentally Reliable Vehicle Education Academy (eSERVE Academy), to address workforce shortages. In collaboration with Central Piedmont Community College (CPCC), the academy will provide the foundational courses for these needs. As part of this program, CATS is proud to unveil the Rail Vehicle Maintenance Apprenticeship.  

The Rail Vehicle Maintenance Apprenticeship prepares chosen candidates to become rail car maintenance technicians. Apprentices will undergo classroom and hands-on training for up to 24 months, working directly with a designated, experienced mentor. Through the program, participants will develop skills for high-demand, technical roles and will learn directly from other rail vehicle maintenance professionals.  

The program serves as a pillar to ensure candidates have the qualifications for a career in sustainable transit. As part of eSERVE Academy, the apprenticeship seeks to open pathways including entry-level positions for those outside of CATS. 

Dr. Tina Hall, the creator of eSERVE Academy, always yearned for more possibilities within the organization. As a former educator, she knows the value of growth and the knowledge that comes with it.  

“I want this program to shine a light on what matters most in our organization,” Hall said. “We want to add this culture of inclusion and belonging, and so I thought, ‘Why not do it by preparing a place where apprentices can receive the training necessary to strive and succeed?’"

CATS recently welcomed the inaugural class of apprentices for the program—Regina King, Ja’Kiya Brown, Luke Sutton and Aiasha McGlothen. Not only will they train in-house with CATS, but these promising individuals will also attend prerequisite classes during their apprenticeship at Central Piedmont Community College for Fall 2024.  

As we introduce the Rail Apprenticeship Program, we celebrate Regina, Luke, Ja’Kiya and Aiasha as the pioneering visionaries setting the standard for generations to come.  

For more apprenticeship opportunities with CATS and eSERVE, follow us on LinkedIn. 

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