Technician Training, Incentives, and Retention

1. Technician Training, Incentives, and Retention Student Transportation Services John Wilson

2. District Facts • Enrollment 63,000 • Students Transported 24,000 • 5 Bus Terminals • 4 Shops • 1 Body Shop • 19 Mechanics • 1 Body/Painter • 8 Mechanic Helpers • 3 Parts Staff • 300 Buses 250 white fleet

3. Training and Incentives • Inhouse training taught by management, technicians, and vendors. • Web based training • Career Ladder • ASE bonus

4. Career Ladder • Three tiered program • Additional $.65 per hour per level • Many classes are self paced and online • Participants must demonstrate proficiency in all performance measures • Skills must be observed and signed off by supervisor

5. Level One Classroom and Hands On Training • Orientation to Career Ladder • Basic Electrical • Fleet Software • Controlling Inventory • Shop and Tool Safety • TIA Tire and wheel safety certification • Preventive Maintenance • Outstanding Customer Service

6. Level One Web Based Training • FEMA IS-55 Hazmat • FEMA IS-242 Effective Communication • Air Brake Theory • Air Brake Component Identification • Air Brake Operation and Inspection • Air Brake Preventive Maintenance • Cam Brake Diagnosis • Cam Brake Disassemble and Assemble • Q and Q Plus Component Identification

7. Level Two • Diversity Awareness • FEMA IS-906 (work place security) • FEMA IS-907 (Active Shooter) • FEMA IS-100.SCA (Introduction to the Incident Command System) • Team Building • Navistar Electrical Program 1-8 • Welding Safety • AC 609 Certification ($20.00 cost to participant) • Obtain/maintain FAPT School bus inspector certification

8. Level Three • Designed to help prepare participant for management. • Comprised of 27 classes (6 classroom 21 Online) • Participant must be FAPT MRT certified

9. Level Three • Emergency management FEMA • Equity in the work place • Dealing with change • Managing conflict in the workplace • Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint • Advanced engine and emission diagnostic training • Advanced electrical training

10. Level ThreePresenting to Groups • Participant must perform a 30 minute presentation to fleet staff. • Must present material effectively • Utilizes technology effectively • Keeps attendees involved • Deals with questions effectively

11. Highlights • Launched August 2017 • 32 participants enrolled • 26 have achieved level 1, • 15 have achieved level 2 • 3 have achieved level 3

12. ASE Bonus • $100 per certification per year • Paid in November • All Job related “ASE” certifications are paid • Employees are responsible for testing fees • We have had employees with up to 28 certifications

13. Retention/Recruitment • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ in the next 3 years over 100,000 heavy vehicle technicians will be needed. • Aging workforce that will be retiring soon.

14. Some quotes from trade magazines

15. The most dangerous phrase in language is ???

16. "The most dangerous phrase in language is: we've always done it this way.“ —Rear Admiral Grace Hopper

17. We’ve been giving the new generation participation trophies since they were six years old; now they are moving into the workforce and we must accommodate that. • The younger generation needs to be treated like they are part of the family. • We cant just tell them to perform a task without explaining why they are doing it.

18. Retention Get to know your staff! Get to Know you staff! Get to Know you staff! Get to know you staff!

19. Make time for your staff When you make time for your employees you get a better understanding for who they are, what they do, what they want/need, and what they bring to the table.

20. People who spend an optimal number of hours interacting with their direct leader (six hours per week) are 29% more inspired, 30% more engaged, 16% more innovative and 15% more internally motivated than those who spend only one hour per week.

21. “No matter how busy you are, you must take time to make the other person feel important.” —Mary Kay Ash Your staff needs to feel important. One of the best ways to make your leadership matter is to make your employees feel important.

22. Team Building • Bridge building competition • Staff from different terminals were divided into teams. • Supplies were given to each team. • Teams were given one hour to design and construct their bridges. • The bridge that supported the most weight before failing was declared the winner.

23. Birthday Celebrations This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY

24. Mechanic Appreciation Day

25. Off Site Christmas Party

26. Monthly Awards • Each month two bus operators, one attendant, and one support staff member is selected by the transportation management team. • Our director announces the winners in a phone message to all employees. • Winners are presented with a certificate, a gift card, and have their picture with the director, assistant director, and their manager.

27. Parades

28. End of Year Banquet • Complete with Skits • Great participation • Staff members of the year are recognized • Retirees recognized • 30+ years of employment recognized

30. “If there is any great secret of success in life it lies in the ability to put yourself in the other persons place and to see things from his point of view – as well as your own”