New Flyer of America Inc. (New Flyer) has expanded its partnership with the Transportation Diversity Council (TDC) on workforce development programming in Anniston, Ala.
The expanded partnership will focus on program deployment in the Anniston region with continued dialogue at a national level. The partnership is specifically focused on identifying, training and onboarding new hires at New Flyer’s Anniston facility; and supporting development and deployment of pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for veteran, women, disadvantaged, underrepresented and underserved workers.
The TDC is a nonprofit organization providing education and development programs that promote diversity in the transportation and construction industries. The partnership builds on prior collaboration started in 2017 between New Flyer and the TDC, which deployed region-specific initiatives to recruit, develop and retain disadvantaged workers at New Flyer’s bus completion and service facility in Ontario, Calif., located in the greater Los Angeles area. Dwayne Sampson, a 25-year public transportation veteran and the founder and CCEO of TDC, will continue to lead the engagement.
“Since 2013 we have made $50 million of capital investment in our Anniston facility to improve the work environment, capability and processes, and to expand capacity as our workforce has grown to nearly 750 team members at that site,” said New Flyer President Chris Stoddart. “We have also invested millions in our people to improve skills, enhance safety and support workforce advancement. In 2019 alone, we have delivered over 100,000 hours of classroom and on the job training, investing four million dollars to support these workforce development activities.”
The TDC achieves its mission by advancing opportunities for internships, apprenticeships, fellowships and scholarships, as well as workshops and programs for small businesses and public agencies. In 2011, it opened the Bronx Design and Construction Academy, eventually enrolling nearly 600 students and offering adult education classes, among other programs – all of which focus on transportation infrastructure and sustainable energy. Students at the academy have won national and international program awards.
“With a U.S. workforce over 2,300 people, New Flyer continues to provide safe and stable employment for people from coast to coast across America,” Sampson said. “Despite employing nearly 200 veterans and providing opportunities for advancement for all employees including veterans, women, minorities and those with mobility needs, New Flyer understands there is still room to grow. This is why we’re proud to enhance our partnership with New Flyer and build on its foundation of good jobs with greater support for recruitment, training and retention of those working in America’s proven and thriving advanced manufacturing industry.”
TDC was formed in 2010 to meet the growing need for leaders, technical professionals, educators and construction workers in the transportation and construction industries. TDC reaches out to students of all ages to provide exposure to engineering and construction trades; provide development programs to individuals, companies and agencies to ensure that all talents are recognized and nurtured; and help bridge the gap between needs and opportunities for the entire industry. According to New Flyer, TDC is comprised of seasoned executives from the transportation, education and construction industries, dedicated to ensuring every individual can fully contribute to America’s future.
New Flyer is an equal opportunity employer and provides ongoing workforce training and development through the New Flyer Institute, community and industry skills development partnerships and educational assistance for external programs.
