Diesel Technician Apprenticeship Program Celebrates One Year as Department of Labor-certified
TravelCenters of America’s (TA) diesel technician apprenticeship program is celebrating its one-year anniversary as a registered training program with the U.S. Department of Labor. The partnership allows TA’s program to meet the national standard of training for diesel mechanics.
The apprenticeship program gives entry-level technicians guided, hands-on experience, teaching them to safely and efficiently perform the maintenance and repairs needed to keep today’s technologically advanced heavy-duty vehicles on the road. The program allows participants to work full time at a TA Truck Service facility while completing their training, as another option to a vocational school or training program.
Ten technicians have completed the nationally-recognized apprenticeship program and have received recognition by the U.S. Department of Labor as Journeyman Diesel Technicians:
- Maria Cruz – TA in Baytown, Texas
- Thomas Russell – TA in Hillsboro, Texas
- Keith Bell – TA in Oak Grove, Missouri
- Kena Bashale – TA in Boise, Idaho
- Quentin Talamante – TA in Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Benjamin Liden – TA in Hillsboro, Texas
- Jason Gray – TA in Boise, Idaho
- Robert Burnett – TA in Mt. Vernon, Illinois
- Jorge Amaya – TA in Baytown, Texas
- Enrique Garnica – TA in Tonopah, Arizona
Each technician is currently employed at a TA Truck Service center. To finish the program, they had to complete 6,000 hours of training and on-the-job experience.
“The apprenticeship program provides a tangible starting point for men and women seeking a new career, members of the military looking for a second career or for current technicians wishing to advance their skills,” said Skip McGary, TA Executive Vice President. “The high level of hands-on training associated with the program equips participants with the mechanical and computer skills needed to work on today’s vehicles, all while they work in a full-time position.”
The program was developed in partnership with FASTPORT, Inc., the DOL Industry Intermediary for the Transportation and Logistics sector. To learn more about joining the TravelCenters of America diesel technician apprenticeship program, contact Chad Estle, Lead Recruiter at CEstle@ta-petro.com
TravelCenters of America Inc. (Nasdaq: TA) is the nation's largest publicly traded full-service travel center network. Founded in 1972 and headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, its more than 21,000 employees serve customers in over 260 locations in 44 states and Canada, principally under the TA®, Petro Stopping Centers® and TA Express® brands. Offerings include diesel and gasoline fuel, truck maintenance and repair, full-service and quick-service restaurants, car and truck parking and other services and amenities dedicated to providing great experiences for professional drivers and the general motoring public. TravelCenters of America operates nearly 650 full-service and quick-service restaurants and 10 proprietary brands, including Quaker Steak and Lube®, Iron Skillet® and Country Pride®. For more information, visit www.ta-petro.com.
