IndyGo and Ivy Tech Community College partner with Amalgamated Transit Union to provide technical certifications in diesel technology

June 14, 2022
The technical certifications give more students options to pursue a credential or degree that will provide a high wage, high demand career in Indiana’s workforce.

Ivy Tech Community College, IndyGo and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1070 are partnering to provide IndyGo diesel apprentices with a pathway to a technical certificate from Ivy Tech in diesel technology. 

By using a prior learning assessment, the agreement allows an IndyGo Apprenticeship Program graduate who successfully completes the Bus Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program to receive up to 24 credits after completing 16 credit hours at Ivy Tech. That will go toward a technical certification in diesel technology, giving more students options to pursue a credential or degree that will provide a high wage, high demand career in Indiana’s workforce. 

“IndyGo is constantly thinking of the future and ways to remove barriers and increase professional development opportunities for its workforce,” said IndyGo President and CEO Inez Evans. “We can do both with our newly registered apprenticeship program and our partnership with Ivy Tech. This partnership will keep IndyGo at the forefront of industry technology and help bolster our employees’ skills in today’s ever-advancing, high-tech field. We’re excited to add yet another tool to our toolbelt through this collaboration.” 

While the program mimics other apprenticeship programs offered at Ivy Tech, this program is the first of its kind within the transportation/logistics sector, specifically diesel technology. 

“By offering IndyGo diesel apprentices with the option to continue their education at Ivy Tech, we’re investing in Indiana’s future – providing employers and our state with graduates well-prepared for high wage, high demand careers aligned to employer needs,” said Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech. 

Ivy Tech and IndyGo will promote the program to diesel apprentices this summer and expect students to enroll into the program as early as this fall. 

“Ivy Tech is setting a remarkable example for the future of diesel technology, right here in Indianapolis,” said Dr. Lorenzo Esters, chancellor of Ivy Tech Indianapolis. “Thanks to this partnership, we can elevate the vitality of this critical sector and ensure more students get connected to jobs that strengthen our workforce in this city and across our state.”