Niagara transit authority lands federal grant to train electricians, mechanics

The Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority (NFTA) will receive $303,000 in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to support training for transit workers, U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) announced late last week.

The funds are part of the USDOT's recently announced funding for the Federal Transit Administration's Innovative Workforce Development Program, which will provide $9.5 million in grants to support 19 workforce training projects in 13 states.

NFTA will use its grant to develop a mechanic and electrician training program in an effort to hire more people with those skills. The program will use a three-part approach to recruit, train and provide career pathways for traditionally underserved populations; and provide continuing education for current NFTA employees to gain the skills necessary to advance to upper-level mechanic and electrician positions, officials said in a press release issued by Schumer’s office.

"This workforce development program will provide an opportunity for collaboration with the Buffalo and Erie County Workforce Investment Board, Veterans Affairs and Erie 1 BOCES to recruit, train and provide stable, meaningful careers in the public transportation industry for western New Yorkers," said NFTA Executive Director Kimberley Minkel.