Is There A Program In The Transportation Industry For The Youth?

by Elpidio Estioko

Advanced training for the youth as transportation workers is in the pipeline!

The Transportation Communications Union (TCU) and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) have contracted with the United States Department of Labor’s Job Corps to provide an Advanced Transportation Training Program for our nation’s youth.

According to field educational assistant Roslyn J. Hoover, TCU’s Training Services Department is now contracted to train 410 students nationwide at eight facilities.

Hoover said that if one likes to travel, is interested in learning about all the different types of transportation that exist, then you may be a good fit for Job Corps’ TCU/IAM Advanced Training – Transportation Service Worker training program.

In this program, the student will become skilled in ensuring a safe work environment, Employability communication, Customer Service, Keyboarding Basics, Mathematics (Personal Finance), and Green Initiatives in Transportation.

Hoover further said that graduates of this Advanced Training area go on to work for railroads, mass transit and airline companies as: Airline and Railroad Ticket Agents; Airline Ramp Workers; Barge Deck Hands; Mass Transit Bus Drivers; Passenger and Freight Railroad Conductors; Passenger Rail Baggage Handlers; Rail Car Repairers; or Railroad Brake, Signal and Switch Operators to name a few.

The credentials the student will earn include the first level of Advanced Training offered in the Transportation Service Worker series.

Students who complete a Job Corps Advanced Transportation training program will earn a certification in at least one Specialty Module such as Airline Service; Inland Waterway Service; Mass Transit/Highway Service; Rail Freight Service; Rail Mechanical Service/Carman; and Rail Passenger Service Students are also eligible to attain the following credentials: OSHA 10-Hour certification; Office Skills, Clerical Skills and Software Skills (OPAC) certification; and Driver’s license (if you don’t have one yet).

To qualify for the training, a student needs a high school diploma or the equivalent (can be earned at all Job Corps centers): Complete a Job Corps basic training program; Meet academic (math and reading) requirements; At least 17½ years old; Positive attendance and progress record; Written recommendation from Job Corps center personnel; Health clearance at current center; Strong work ethic and determination to succeed; and complete a successful phone, in-person or videoconference interview.

The TCU/IAM Union, an advanced Job Corps trade program, proudly held its award ceremony for students on February 28, 2025.

During this event, they recognized students for Perfect Attendance, Honor Roll, and Student of the Month.

Additionally, they honored those who achieved their specialty certificates in Airline Service Worker and Rail Passenger Clerk.

“We are incredibly proud of our students’ dedication and commitment to pursuing careers in the transportation industry. We look forward to our next award ceremony, where we will continue celebrating TCU/IAM students’ achievements,” Hoover said.

One of the awardees was Lorenz J. Agcaoili Vasquez

He is currently participating in a Work-Based Learning (WBL) program with Amtrak and ACE Train, where he has successfully engaged with a high number of passengers while conducting public surveys.

In addition to his fieldwork, Vasquez has excelled in his role at the TCU/IAM front desk, demonstrating exceptional customer service, attention to detail, and clear, concise communication skills. He has also taken the initiative to train new students, guiding them through their front desk responsibilities.

Another awardee, Dayshamien Johnson, joined the program in November 2024. Johnson is a kind, helpful student who has been excelling in his coursework. Other awardees include Armando Medina and Clintera Miller.

For the youth of today, the transportation industry is a worthy option for a career path!

ELPIDIO R. ESTIOKO was a veteran journalist in the Philippines and an award-winning journalist here in the US. He just published his book Unlocking the chain of Poverty: In Pursuit of the American Dream which is now available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris Publishing. For feedbacks, comments… please email author at estiokoelpidio@gmail.com).

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