VTA Apprenticeships

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

Students are introduced to the relationship between delivering professional public service and managing stress factors inherent in the transit industry. 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 Unit) (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. 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. 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 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

This course focuses on the theory and practice of facilitating effective meetings in a public transit environment. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

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

Students are introduced to the principles of effective interpersonal communication in public transit professions. 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 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to the principles of effective labor/management problem solving in public transit professions. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

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

Students are introduced to the principles of effective performance coaching in unionized public transit professions. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

TRN-109: Transit Business Technology and Practices for Transit Employees (1.0 Unit) (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 Units) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Students are introduced to major support departments in public transit bus (coach) operations: bus maintenance, transit planning and scheduling, transit radio dispatching, and field supervision. This course is limited to students admitted to the Public Transit Leadership Certificate program.

TRN-121: Way, Power, & Signal Maintenance Core Training I (1.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to the Way, Power, and Signal shop floor and basic safety protocols. 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 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to ladder safety, basic Traffic Control, electrical safety, and lockout/tag out security. 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 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

Students are introduced to rail certification (rules and regulations) and roadway worker protection (safety in the railroad environment). 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 (2.0 Units) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Students are introduced to track structure, safety and use of track, track tools, roadbed, crossties, and ballast. 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 (2.0 Units) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Students are introduced to rail maintenance, rail joint maintenance, track alignment and gage, track surface, turnouts, and roadway maintenance. 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 (2.0 Units) (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. 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 (2.5 Unitss) (Min Credits: 2.5)

Students are introduced to operation work equipment, vegetation control, rail defects, track inspection, FRA track standards, and derailment 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 Unitss/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 Unitss) (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 Units) (Min Credits: 2.0)

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 Unitss) (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 (2.5 Unitss) (Min Credits: 2.5)

Total Lecture: 36 hours, Total Lab: 27 hours. 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 (2.5 Unitss) (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 (2.5 Unitss) (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 (5.0 Units) (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 (2.0 Units) (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 Unitss) (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 Unitss) (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 Unitss) (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 Service Mechanic apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

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

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 Unitss) (Min Credits: 2.5)

This course introduces students to the air brake system used on VTA buses. 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 Unitss) (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 Unitss) (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 Unitss) (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 Unitss) (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 Unitss) (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 Unitss) (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-301: The Art of Training for Transit I (2.0 Units) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Total Lecture: 18 hours, Total Lab: 54 hours. This course is part of the Art of Training for Transit series designed for transit trainers to achieve personal mastery in the three keys of teaching artistry: Preparation, Teaching, and Reflection. Students will learn the characteristics of a professional trainer and the fundamentals of instructional design. Students will build their skills through practical labs and written journals throughout the course. This course, as part of the Art of Training for Transit series, is appropriate for both new trainers and experienced trainers, especially those who teach in transit apprenticeships or other formal training programs. Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-302: The Art of Training for Transit II (2.0 Units) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Total Lecture: 18 hours, Total Lab: 54 hours. Prerequisite: TRN 301. This is an intermediate level course of a three-course series designed for transit trainers to advance their mastery in the three keys of teaching artistry: Preparation, Teaching, and Reflection. Students will advance their skills in self-assessment/reflection and build a personal system of continuous learning. Students will learn multiple teaching modalities and use of instructional software through practical labs and written journals throughout the course. Students will also explore student assessment and classroom management techniques geared to intermediate/advanced topics classes. This course, as part of the Art of Training for Transit series, is appropriate for trainers with at least one year of teaching experience, especially those who teach in transit apprenticeships or other formal training programs. Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-303: The Art of Training for Transit III (2.0 Units) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Total Lecture: 18 hours, Total Lab: 54 hours. Prerequisite: TRN 301 and TRN 302. This is an advanced level course of a three-course series designed for transit trainers to advance their mastery in the three keys of teaching artistry: Preparation, Teaching, and Reflection. Students will evaluate and help refine teaching styles, approaches, and assessment tools of other instructors in their training department/section, using the course content from TRN 301 and TRN 302. Students will learn effective mentoring and coaching skills for a training department/section. This course is appropriate for trainers with at least two years of teaching experience, especially for those who play a lead role or teach in transit apprenticeships or other formal training programs. Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-401: Coach Operator: New Operator Training I (2.0 Units) (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 Unitss/2.5 Lab) (Min Credits: 5.0)

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 admitted to the Coach Operator apprenticeship programs at Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority.

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

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 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

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 Unit) (Min Credits: 1.0)

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 Units/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 (1.0 Unit) (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.

TRN-501: Light Rail Operator Safety Certification (2.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Total Lecture: 36 hours. This course is part of VTA’s Light Rail Safety Certification program, which is required for employees that will perform work in a rail environment. The Light Rail Safety Certification program introduces employees to rail nomenclature and builds a safety foundation that meets the requirements identified by VTA and the California Public Utilities Commission (General Orders 175-A, 172 and 143-B). This course is approved for credit by exam. Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-502: Light Rail Operator Safety Yard Certification (2.0 Unit) (Min Credits: 2.0)

Total Lecture: 36 hours. This course is part of VTA’s Light Rail Yard Operation Certification program, which is required for employees that will operate light rail vehicles within the Guadalupe Yard limits. The Light Rail Yard Operation Certification program introduces employees to VTA’s Kinkisharyo light rail vehicle. Employees will learn about the operations of the vehicle, various components and operating rules. This training meets the requirements identified by VTA and the California Public Utilities Commission (General Order 143-B). This course is approved for credit by exam. Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-503A: Light Rail Infrastructure: Mainline Operation Certification (2.5 Units) (Min Credits: 2.5)

Total Lecture: 36 hours, Total Lab: 27 hours. Prerequisite: TRN 501 and TRN 502. This course is part of the VTA Light Rail Mainline Operation Certification program, which is required for employees that will operate light rail vehicles beyond the Guadalupe Yard. The Light Rail Mainline Operation Certification program focuses on the infrastructure found on VTA’s mainline and familiarizes employees with requirements to safely navigate through them. This training meets the requirements identified by VTA and the California Public Utilities Commission (General Order 143-B). Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-503B: Light Rail Infrastructure: Blue Line Familiarization (2.5 Units) (Min Credits: 2.5)

Total Lecture: 36 hours, Total Lab: 27 hours. Prerequisite: TRN 501 and TRN 502 and TRN 503A. The Light Rail Infrastructure Blue Line Familiarization course is required for VTA employees that will operate light rail vehicles beyond in revenue service between the Santa Teresa Terminal and Baypointe Terminal. The Blue Line Familiarization focuses on the specific infrastructure found on the blue-line; employees will learn the requirements to safely navigate a Light Rail Vehicle(LRV) through this route. This training meets the requirements identified by VTA. Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-503C: Light Rail Infrastructure: Orange Line Familiarization (2.5 Units) (Min Credits: 2.5)

Total Lecture: 36 hours, Total Lab: 27 hours. Prerequisite: TRN 501 and TRN 502 and TRN 503A and TRN 503B. The Light Rail Infrastructure: Orange Line Familiarization course is required for employees that will operate light rail vehicles beyond in revenue service between the Alum Rock Terminal and Mountain View Terminal. The Orange Line Familiarization focuses on the specific infrastructure found on the orange line, employees will learn the requirements to safely navigate a LRV through this route. This training meets the requirements identified by VTA. Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-503D: Light Rail Infrastructure: Green Line Familiarization (2.5 Units) (Min Credits: 2.5)

Total Lecture: 36 hours, Total Lab: 27 hours. Prerequisite: TRN 501 and TRN 502 and TRN 503A and TRN 503B and TRN 503C. The Light Rail Infrastructure Green Line Familiarization course is required for VTA employees that will operate light rail vehicles in revenue service between the Winchester Terminal and Old Ironsides Terminal. The Green Line Familiarization focuses on the specific infrastructure found on the green line; employees will learn the requirements to safely navigate a LRV through this route. This training meets the requirements identified by VTA. Pass/No Pass Option.

TRN-504: Light Rail Train Operations (2.0 Units) (Min Credits: 2.5)

Total Lecture: 9 hours, Total Lab: 81 hours. Prerequisite: TRN 501 and TRN 502 and TRN 503A and TRN 503B and TRN 503C and TRN 503D. Acceptable for credit: California State University. Light Rail Train Operations is a capstone course that builds on the TRN 501-503 series. It focuses on the student's ability to apply the rules, regulations, standard operating procedures, and their LRV/light rail system knowledge through intensive operations training with instructors in the field. This training meets the requirements identified by VTA. Pass/No Pass Option.

VTA Apprenticeships, Transportation

Transportation Courses