01128861

Component

Public transportation plays an important role in our society. It not only provides mobility to those with limited incomes or disabilities, but also provides alternatives for those able to drive their own vehicles but who appreciate the ability to relieve stress and do productive work while traveling. Public transportation helps to reduce congestion on our nation’s highways, while offering one of the best means possible for our nation to reduce its dependence on foreign oil. It creates a wealth of new opportunities for individuals and communities and is a catalyst for economic and social opportunities that help make America more efficient and productive. In the coming years, like many other industries, the public transportation industry is going to experience a great number of valuable employees leaving the workforce due to retirement. This is not only due to the Baby Boomer generational phenomenon, but also a result of many public transit agencies being formed in the 1970s where the first employees have come to the conclusion of their 30 to 35 year careers. As a result there will be a need to fill these vacant positions with younger, qualified replacements. However, most people are completely unaware of the many possible career opportunities in the field of transit. Most people who are now in the field would tell you their involvement in transit was initially “accidental”. Since the generations following the Baby Boom Generation are smaller, there will be great competition for talent to fill vacant positions. In addition, transportation is expected to be one of the growth industries in the near and mid-term future, requiring more than simply replacing retirees. It is for this reason the National Center for Transit Research is developing an educational video to increase awareness of, and generate interest in, public transportation career opportunities. While there are many careers in transit, some, such as vehicle operators and technicians/mechanics are more obvious then others. The purpose of this educational training video is to introduce students to the careers in transit that they may not have been aware exist. This educational video will take a fast-paced eye catching, youthful, interesting approach to teaching students about careers in transit. This video can be posted on the website of every transit agency in the nation. It could also be placed on popular points of access such as You Tube, and also be accessible through services such as My Space or Face Book. Transit managers could utilize this DVD at events such as career days in high schools. Teachers could also show the DVD in any classes that deal with civics and opportunities to work in careers that help the nation’s economy. The intent is for this video to be seen by millions of teenagers throughout the country to make them aware of solid and interesting career opportunities in a field that is environmentally positive and one that helps provide mobility to everyone that needs or chooses to use such service.

01120148

09-2533

English

3p

2009

Transportation Research Board 88th Annual Meeting

DVD

Education and training; Mobility; Public transit; Recruiting; Research; Transit operating agencies; Transportation; Transportation careers; Workforce; Young adults

Administration and Management; Education and Training; Public Transportation; I10: Economics and Administration

Transportation Research Board Annual Meeting 2009 Paper #09-2533

TRIS, TRB

Jan 30 2009 6:53PM