L.A. Metro launches workforce development program

The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) late last week launched a new workforce development program aimed at creating career opportunities in the transportation industry.

Known as Workforce Initiative Now-LA (WIN-LA), the program is designed to foster collaboration between Metro and institutions and organizations interested in helping job seekers, companies and local communities.

The program will provide potential employees with skills training, placement assistance and resources to help them secure industry positions.

About 39 percent of Metro's workforce will be eligible for retirement over the next three years. Nearly 70 percent of the agency's employees are over the age of 40.

As a result, succession planning is crucial to maintaining the agency's viability, Metro officials said in a press release. Additionally, the agency needs the workers to deliver several transportation projects funded by the Measure M half-cent sales tax increase.

Approved by L.A. County voters in 2016, that measure will provide $860 million each year for the next four decades. The initiative is expected to create an additional 778,000 jobs.

"Metro is in the midst of building the largest infrastructure program in the nation and substantial job opportunities in the transportation arena are available to those who are committed," said L.A. County Supervisor and Metro Board Member Mark Ridley-Thomas. "Metro's WIN-LA program reinforces to the community our commitment as a teaching organization that attracts, develops, motivates and retains a world-class workforce."