The Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA), Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) and the Cleveland Job Corps Center (CJCC) have joined forces to teach and train the next generation of workers, and provide job opportunities for interns to work at the transit system in the weeks and months ahead.

In this new joint agreement, the CJCC will provide the RTA with student interns. Upon completion of a five-week internship, the RTA will assist the students with possible employment opportunities in various departments, including those in the skilled mechanical and electrical trades.

“Through this agreement, individuals with a high school diploma, will have the opportunity to tap into all the benefits of the internship program. This effort allows students to transition more easily from school to work and take advantage of the invaluable opportunities afforded through work-based learning,” said RTA CEO and General Manager Joe Calabrese.

The goal of the program is to afford real life job experiences to the students and create a pipeline of applicants for organizations such as the RTA.

“It’s a win-win opportunity,” Calabrese said. “The students benefit from on-the-job training, and the RTA and the ATU benefit from tapping into the skills of students who have achieved the high standards and succeeded in the rigorous training of Job Corps.”

“Cleveland Job Corps is very thankful for the opportunity to partner with the RTA”, said CJCC Director, William Houston. “We hope our students will be able to fulfill the skills gap that have been looming in the RTA Corporation for the past couple of years. It is our goal to make sure the students are responsible, committed and prepared for this wonderful opportunity.”