CATS eSERVE Academy

The Bus Electric Vehicle Training provides training for both operators and technicians to drive or provide maintenance for the newest zero-emission vehicles within the CATS fleet of battery electric buses. These vehicles require special skills and knowledge for operation and the accompanying charging infrastructure. This program provides the technical skills for these high-demand jobs as they apply to the battery electric buses. . 

KEY OPPORTUNITIES
• Gain useful, technical skills for a specific vehicle type within the transit system
• Comprehensive range of workforce development activities, as well as career- focused resources and support
• Work in high-demand roles with the best possible safety and technical training

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
• Applicants who are interested in working as electric bus operators or certified maintenance technicians at CATS

PROGRAM BENEFITS
• Extensive classes for all aspects of electric buses, such as safety, passenger information, preventative maintenance, Gillig and New Flyer training.
• Technical skills for a career in sustainable transit
• Graduate technicians are certified in ASE, HVAC 608, NFPA 70E, CPR/AED and Hoist & Crane Systems.
• Operators will receive CDL licenses.
• Paid training opportunity.

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) drivers are integral in supporting a healthy economy and contributing to a smoothly run transit community. eSERVE Academy, in collaboration with the Charlotte Vehicle Operations Center (CVOC), provides the necessary training for CATS operators or any applicant who needs certification to obtain their CDL. The program consists of classroom and behind-the-wheel training. Once completed, graduates will obtain their CDL and will be able to become an operator at CATS.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES
• Gain skills for high-demand, technical roles with CATS
• Comprehensive CDL training
• Comprehensive range of workforce development activities, as well as career-focused resources and support

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
• Applicants who do not have their CDL and are interested in becoming an operator for CATS
• Must be 21 or older

PROGRAM BENEFITS
• Employee certification/license
• Career advancement opportunities
• Removes barrier to entering by providing necessary training for operators
• Paid training opportunity

The Rail Vehicle Maintenance Apprenticeship is an entry-level Rail Vehicle Maintenance position that prepares apprentices to become Rail Car Maintenance Technicians Level 1. Apprentices will have formal, on-the-job training over 24 months, working under the close supervision of a Rail Car Maintenance Supervisor and Lead Technician.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES
• Gain skills for high-demand, technical roles while being compensated
• Useful job experience while you are learning
• Learn directly from experienced Rail Vehicle Maintenance professionals

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
• Applicants who are interested in rail vehicle maintenance jobs at CATS and have a high school diploma

PROGRAM BENEFITS
• Certifications in Electrical Systems Technology Certificate Specialization in Electrical Manufacturing Maintenance Technician Level I (C35130-37) for Central Piedmont Community College students enrolled in technical classes
• Graduate technicians are certified in ASE, HVAC 608, NFPA 70E, CPR/AED and Hoist & Crane Systems
• On-the-job training for light rail maintenance, preventative maintenance, voltage identification and other technical requirements to become a level 1 technician
• Technical skills for a career in sustainable transit
• Paid training opportunity

The Work Zone Flagger Career Training Academy (CTA) provides an overview of the Maintenance of Way program with an emphasis on work zone flagging. Trainees will have formal, on-the-job training over 12 months, working under the close supervision of a Maintenance of Way Supervisor and/or Lead Technician.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES
• Gain career skills while being compensated on the job
• Learn directly from experienced Maintenance of Way professionals

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
• Applicants who are interested in Maintenance of Way jobs at CATS and have a high school diploma

PROGRAM BENEFITS
• On-the-job training for work zone flagging
• Technical skills for a career in sustainable transit
• Paid training opportunity

TransFoRM, or the Transit-Focused Reskilling Mobility, program provides current CATS employees an established path for expanding their knowledge of operating and maintenance practices and, more specifically, training for upward mobility within the organization.

KEY OPPORTUNITIES
• The chance to expand your skill set to a sustainable, in-demand transit service (electric bus and rail vehicles)
• Comprehensive range of workforce development activities, as well as career- focused resources and support
• Obtain skills necessary to meet the transit industry’s highest standards for jobs

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
• Current CATS employees who are interested in a change in career or career advancement at CATS

PROGRAM BENEFITS
• Provides upward mobility and a clear career path for CATS employees
• In conjunction with technical course offerings, employees can take advantage of various alternative forms of skills development programs:

• Leadership development programs
• External training and certifications
• Self-paced/self-initiated training (i.e. LinkedIn Learning)
• Coaching and mentoring sessions • Support obtaining CDL if needed