Bus Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

The Bus Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship helps fill Pennsylvania’s shortage of skilled bus technicians by blending on-the-job training with technical instruction to build strong transportation career pathways.

bus mechanic apprentice working on motor

Hands-on Learning: Program Overview

This program prepares individuals for careers as bus maintenance technicians. This training covers the following topics:

  • Engines
  • Powertrain and Brake Systems
  • Servicing, Maintaining, and Repairing CNG Vehicles
  • Electrical Systems
  • HVAC – Mobile Air Conditioning and Refrigeration
  • Shop Safety
  • Exhaust Emissions
  • Allison Automatic Transmission

Complete Training Experience: Building a Strong Foundation

The program equips apprentices with the skills, credentials, and resources needed to thrive. Together, these elements provide comprehensive training, recognized certifications, and support that helps remove barriers to employment.

Certifications

Participants receive their journeyworker papers from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry and earn additional industry‑recognized credentials that strengthen their qualifications in the transportation field. 

  • EPA 608 Technician Certification 
  • EPA 609 Motor Vehicle Air Conditioning Certificate 
  • PA State Inspection License 
  • PA Emissions Inspection License

Training Details

Apprentices develop practical, job‑ready skills through a structured blend of hands‑on experience, technical instruction, and guided learning designed to support long‑term success.

  • Combination of on-the-job training and instruction 
  • Interactive online learning platform for instruction 
  • Hands-on lab training 
  • Mentorship from experienced technicians

Support Services

Participants receive access to essential assistance through Community Action Agency partnerships, ensuring they have the stability and support needed to complete the program. 

  • Transportation 
  • Childcare 
  • Career development services 
  • Other barrier remediation support
Jake Dame, Bus Tech Apprentice leaning against equipment

Always Learning: Earn, Learn, and Build a Career in Transit Maintenance

Discover how River Valley Transit Authority's Bus Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship Program helps individuals build rewarding careers while earning a paycheck. In this video, apprentice Jake Dame shares how hands-on training, mentorship from experienced technicians, and lab experiences at Penn College are helping him develop the skills needed to maintain modern transit vehicles, while supporting the community he serves.

Facts & Figures: Apprenticeship Snapshot

24-Month

Apprenticeship

4

Industry-recognized credentials

4,176

Hours on-the-job training

Start Your Career: Get Connected

PPTA agencies can contact Kim Whetsell with questions.

Kim Whetsell, Executive Director, PPTA

info@ppta.net | 717.234.7211

Any other questions can be sent to Penn College Workforce Development at apprenticeship@pct.edu.

bus mechanic apprentices laughing at a table

The Bus Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship is funded in part by a grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.