Professional Development Resources for Transportation Providers in the U.S.

Transcription

1 Professional Development Resources for Transportation Providers in the U.S. Donna Smith and Carol Wright Easterseals Project Action Consulting October 27, 2016

2 Webinar Sponsored by: West Region Transportation Workforce Center Eurasia Foundation University Partnership Western Transportation Institute Susan Gallagher and David Kack Montana State University Bozeman, MT Phone: wrtwc.org westerntransportationinstitute.org 2

3 West Region Transportation Workforce Center Online Resource Center for transportation professionals and career seekers WRTWC.ORG Program Search: Experiential Learning Programs (includes Professional Development) Filter by Mode: Transit 3

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5 Meet your Instructors Carol Wright, Assistant Vice President of Transportation and Mobility Donna Smith, Senior Director 5

6 Closed Captioning Closed Captioning is available for the event. To access the cc: Click on CC icon OR Control + F8 6

7 Webinar Instructions When using the phone, mute your computer speakers to eliminate feedback. You may submit questions and comments throughout the session today by: entering your question/comment into the chat section ing your question/comment to 7

8 What ESPAC Offers Training Webinars Online Courses In-person workshops Travel Trainer Certification For more information and/or to schedule training contact us at:

9 Overview Adult Learners Types of Training Who Do We Need to Train What Do They Need to Learn Skills Needed Where Can I Look for Training Who Provides Training Certifications Partnerships Planning for Training

10 Adult Learners Usually have a set learning style Want to share their experiences Need to see applicability to their job Assess your knowledge against their experience Aren t always willing participants

11 Learning Styles Visual I need to read it Auditory Just tell me about it Experiential I need to put my hands on it 11

12 How Do You Learn Best? Primary learning style: A. Visual B. Auditory C. Experiential Secondary learning style: A. Visual B. Auditory C. Experiential Question?

13 Considerations in Planning for Training How do your staff learn best? How can you ensure the training you choose meets their learning styles? What type of trainings do you need to select to best meet their needs? 13

14 Types of Training Webinars Workshops at Conferences Independent Training Sessions (Face-to-Face) Lecture Hands-on Online Courses

15 Question? What type of training do you prefer to attend? A. It depends on the subject matter B. In person C. Webinar D. Online 15

16 Who Do We Want/Need to Train? Transit Managers Supervisors Drivers Dispatchers/Call Center Staff Finance Mechanics/Vehicle Maintenance Others?

17 What Skills Do They Need to Learn? Depends on Job Function Managers Regulations Human Resources Financial Management Operations & Service Design Procurement Safety & Security Leadership/Management Skills Asset Management Strategic Planning More... 17

18 Skills Needed Supervisors Regulations Management Skills Subject Matter Experts Drivers Regulations (ADA, Drug & Alcohol, Accident Reporting...) Customer Service Driving Skills Passenger Assistance Skills Securement Safety (Blood-borne Pathogen, CPR, First Aid,...) Policies and Procedures 18

19 Skills Needed Dispatchers/Call Center Staff Policies and Procedures Customer Service Handling Difficult Customers Scheduling Software Mechanics/Vehicle Maintenance Lifts Safety Asset Management 19

20 Skills Needed Finance Regulations & Reporting Requirements Strategic Planning For All: Customer Service (Internal and External) Other (as appropriate for your agency) 20

21 What is the Best/Most Appropriate Training for Each Group? There isn t one most appropriate training. Most people prefer to be trained face-to-face, in person where they can ask questions as they come up. While this is preferred, it is not always practical or affordable in all cases. A combination of training options works well in most cases. 21

22 Question? In general, how often should staff be trained? A. Yearly B. Twice a year C. As needed 22

23 Question? How often do you attend training? A. Three or more times per year B. Twice a year C. At least once per year D. Less than once per year 23

24 Question? Does your agency have a budget for training? A. Yes B. No C. We fit it into our yearly general operating budget as needed. 24

25 Where Can We Look for Training? Using Local Resources Back Safety: Physical Therapists/Chiropractors First Aid/CPR: EMS/Fire Department/Hospital/Red Cross How to De-escalate a Situation: Human Service Center/ Mental Health Facility/ Law Enforcement Center/ University Police Department Drug & Alcohol: Human Service Center/Addiction Counselor & Treatment Centers/Mental Health Facility/Alcoholics Anonymous & Al Anon Programs/Police Department 25

26 Local Resources for Training Customer Service: Chamber of Commerce/Human Service Centers Safety: EMS/Police/Fire Department/Hospital/ Highway Patrol Evacuation: Emergency Operations Center/Police Department/Schools/Over-the-Road Coach Bus Companies/National Guard/Other Public Transit Providers in Region/City &/or County Government 26

27 Question? Have you used local resources to provide your staff training or to participate in training exercises? A. Yes B. No C. No, but I will now that you reminded me 27

28 Who Provides Training? State Transit Associations Once or twice per year conferences Membership organization, but conferences generally available to others at slightly higher cost Usually 1 3 days; format varies by state Often multiple speakers; some feature panels; others have dedicated workshop trainings Many feature once/year Bus Roadeo for drivers Some feature opportunities for certifications for drivers and/or dispatchers and others 28

29 How to Influence What State Transit Associations Provide for Training Join the association as a member organization Participate in evaluation surveys Run for office on the association board of directors Volunteer to assist with conference planning Attend the trainings/send staff to attend trainings Conduct survey of providers in state to see what training is desired/needed and provide to association leadership Recommend speakers that you have heard at other conferences/trainings 29

30 Who Provides Training? State Departments of Transportation Every state receives Rural Training Assistance Program (RTAP) funding to provide training for its rural transit service providers. Some state DOTs provide the training directly through the state office Other states contract with the State Transit Association or an independent contractor to provide the RTAP trainings 30

31 How to Influence State DOT Training Know who is responsible for training in your state Contact them with your specific training needs Conduct a survey of providers in state to see what training is desired/needed and provide to state DOT Recommend speakers that you have heard at other conferences/trainings 31

32 Who Provides Training? Regional Transit Organizations such as: Southwest Transit Association: serves public transit providers in 8 states (Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Kansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas) NorthEast Passenger Transportation Association: serves the public and private sectors in the New England region, whose mission is to promote professionalism in the industry Dakota Transit Association: serves North Dakota and South Dakota public transit providers 32

33 National Transit Organizations American Public Transportation Association (APTA): membership organization whose members are public organizations that are engaged in the areas of bus, paratransit, light rail, commuter rail, subways, waterborne passenger services, and high-speed rail. Members also include large and small companies who plan, design, construct, finance, supply, and operate bus and rail services worldwide. Government agencies, metropolitan planning organizations, state departments of transportation, academic institutions, and trade publications are also part of our membership.

34 National Transit Organizations Community Transportation Association of America (CTAA): membership organization representing public and private transportation providers and is a recognized leader in the field of transit education, training and information. It provides customized training programs and certification programs. 34

35 National Transit Organizations National Transit Institute: National Transit Institute (NTI): provides training, education, and clearinghouse services in support of public transportation; identifies needs; promotes, develops, and delivers high quality programs and materials through cooperative partnerships with industry, government, institutions, and associations; and serves as a catalyst for enhancing skills and performance in public transportation. 35

36 National Transit Organizations Eno Center for Transportation: a neutral, non-partisan think-tank that promotes policy innovation and provides professional development opportunities across the career span of transportation professionals; center whose mission is to cultivate creative leadership and to impact emerging issues for the national multi-modal transportation system; offers dynamic programs and leadership development opportunities for industry professionals through special events and courses. 36

37 Who Provides Training? National Technical Assistance Centers National Aging & Disability Transportation Center (NADTC) NADTC's goal is to promote the availability and accessibility of transportation options for older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers to ensure that community transportation services are available to everyone, paying particular attention to the needs and preferences of older adults and people with disabilities; provides webinars, conference trainings, online courses, and resources for public and human service transportation providers. 37

38 National Technical Assistance Centers National Center for Mobility Management (NCMM): the mission of the Center is to facilitate communities to adopt transportation strategies and mobility options that empower people to live independently, and advance health, economic vitality, self-sufficiency, and community; provides webinars, conference workshops, a database of mobility management practices, and other resources for transportation providers, planners, and funders. 38

39 National Technical Assistance Centers National Rural Transportation Assistance Program (NRTAP): serves as the national arm for the Rural Transit Assistance Program funded by the Federal Transit Administration and administered by the State Departments of Transportation. The mission of National RTAP is to improve mobility in all rural, small urban, and tribal communities across the country through technical assistance and training for transit providers. 39

40 National Technical Assistance Centers Tribal Technical Assistance Program (TTAP): The centers assist tribal governments by providing training, technology transfer and research opportunities. The TTAP program is financially supported by the Federal Highway Administration (FWHA) and the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA). There are seven regional TTAP Centers in the U.S.: Northwest, Northern Plains, Western, Eastern, Colorado, Southern Plains, and Alaska. 40

41 Who Provides Training? University Transportation Centers: The UTC program supports applied and academic research on multimodal and multidisciplinary national transportation priorities at 35 competitively-selected colleges and university grantees across the United States, comprising over 120 institutions of higher education. Funds are provided for five National Centers, ten Regional Centers, and up to 20 Tier I Centers through a competitive selection process. 41

42 University Transportation Centers Examples: Small Urban & Rural Transportation Center (SURTC): exists to increase the mobility of small urban and rural residents through improved public transportation; develops and provides various training sessions for small urban and rural transit operators, local and regional transit associations, and state Departments of Transportation. Programs are delivered on-site, and can be tailored to accommodate any learning environment; part of the Western Transportation Institute, located at North Dakota State University. 42

43 University Transportation Centers Center for Urban Transportation Research (CUTR): Transit Safety and Workforce Development Programs provides technical assistance and professional development opportunities to Florida s public transportation agencies; provides an active listserv and comprehensive website and resource repository; working with local community colleges, provides post-secondary adult vocational training and a state certification for maintenance technicians; works in partnership with the U.S. Transportation Safety Institute to train and certify Florida s bus operator trainers; the Substance Abuse program provides training tools and resource materials; located at University of South Florida. 43

44 University-based Training Institute for Transportation Research and Education (ITRE): conducts surface and air transportation research, training, and technical support activities for municipal, state, federal, and international clients in order to address critical transportation issues; committed to developing leadership in its study of transportation issues through fostering analytical thinking, integrating technology in education and research, serving as a catalyst for problem solving, and cultivating professionals and students dedicated to excellence in transportation; located at North Carolina State University. 44

45 University-based Training Texas Transit Institute (TTI): develops solutions to the problems and challenges facing all modes of transportation; to transfer technology and knowledge through trainings; and to develop diverse human resources to meet the transportation challenges of tomorrow. TTI researchers help prepare students for transportation careers. Located at Texas A & M University. 45

46 Who Provides Training? Consulting Firms Easterseals Project Action Consulting Many for-profit, private consultants who specialize in public transit. Look for them at national and state conferences; Google them online or ask trusted partners for references. 46

47 Partnering in Training Who could you partner with to reduce the cost of bringing in training? Other area transit agencies Depending on the topic, other human service agencies (Human Resources, Safety, Customer Service, etc.) Transit agencies in your region School bus programs 47

48 Examples CPR & First Aid Training Emergency Evacuation Bus Burning 48

49 Certification Training Examples of Types Available: PASS (Passenger Assistance Safety and Sensitivity) Certified Community Transit Manager Certified Safety and Security Officer PDS: Effective, Efficient Dispatching & Scheduling Certified Transit Program Administrator Certified Travel Training Instructor Certified Paratransit Manager (coming soon!) Others? 49

50 Why Should You Assist Staff in Becoming Certified? Increase skill set of staff members Sets up a path for career development Can influence staff retention Builds staff pride, work ethic and knowledge 50

51 Question? Do you currently have any staff who have gotten certifications? A. Yes B. No C. No, but I d like to learn more. 51

52 Question? What is the biggest obstacle to staff training? A. Time B. Money C. Availability of Quality Training D. All of the Above 52

53 Question? What one thing can you commit to doing after today s webinar to improve your training program? A. Add money to the budget for training B. Offer some type of training to all staff at least once per year C. Develop a training plan for my agency 53

54 Question? What resource will you use as a result of this webinar? A. Local partners B. State Association C. National Organizations D. All of the above 54

55 Questions 55

56 Session Evaluation Please take time to fill out an evaluation of today s webinar. Your comments help us improve our presentations! This survey is closed. 56

57 Stay in touch with Easter Seals Project Action Consulting! Follow us on Facebook at: ESPAConsulting Follow us on Twitter Join our list at:

58 Thank You! Carol Wright and Donna Smith ESPA Consulting 1425 K Street NW, Suite 200 Washington, DC cwright@easterseals.com dsmith@easterseals.com