Kaptur Heralds $407,780 for Cleveland Transit Workforce Training
DOT award supports worker training in public transit through GCRTA Career Pathways Program
WASHINGTON, D.C.— Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (OH-9) heralded news this week that the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) Career Pathways Program (CPP) has been awarded $407,780 through the Department of Transportation (DOT) Innovative Public Transportation Workforce Development Program Ladders of Opportunity Initiative.
“Cleveland’s transit system needs highly skilled workers, and the CPP helps meet that demand,” said Rep. Kaptur. “Partnering with other organizations in our region helps to ensure that our education and training resources are being put to their most efficient use, training workers to fill jobs that are available and in demand here in Northern Ohio. And if Congress can pass the new surface transportation bill, instead of just another short-term delay, more good news would be forthcoming on jobs and investment in modernizing our transportation systems.
“Technical skills training can also have a lasting positive impact on families and communities by offering students and workers the opportunity to transition into a full-time skill-based career. That can mean more than just a job, but also long-term financial and health security for working families. Thank you to the Department of Transportation for recognizing the importance of the work being done by the CPP, and congratulations to the Greater Cleveland RTA and its many partners for this well-deserved recognition and support.”
The CPP program builds partnerships with educational and training organizations in the region to help fill demand for skilled transit workers. CPP will partner with El Barrio Workforce Development Center to recruit and train women, minorities and veterans. Cuyahoga Community College will offer accelerated training in electrical and mechanical programs. Cleveland State University will recruit graduate and undergraduate students for careers in transit. GCRTA will also provide internships and on-the-job training to some CPP participants.
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