RIDE Apprenticeship Program

RIDE Apprenticeship Program

RIDE, SMART Local 105, and Antelope Valley College (AVC) announced the creation of a manufacturing apprenticeship program, providing crucial job training, especially to underserved populations. This program is recognized as the first Industrial Manufacturing Technician (IMT) registered apprenticeship program in California and the first electric bus manufacturing apprenticeship program in the country. 

Called the Industrial Manufacturing Technician Apprenticeship, the program totals 16.5 units of college credit. Classroom work includes OSHA 10 safety training, blueprint reading, manufacturing concepts, machine trade mathematics, lean manufacturing techniques, technical memo writing skills, and emerging trends in manufacturing. 

Apprentices complete 264 hours of coursework delivered by AVC and 2,736 hours of on-the-job training. Throughout the 18 months of the apprenticeship, workers demonstrate competencies in equipment operation and maintenance, safety, inspection, quality control, inventory, continuous improvement and industry trends.

“This apprenticeship program helps workers get the skills they need to thrive in the green technology revolution,” said Patrick Duan, RIDE Co-CEO. “Our employees gain skills that will help advance their careers. The company benefits by having skilled workers who will help improve efficiency in production and the quality of our buses.”

Technical training also consists of hands-on training in basic skills, precision metal work, electrical wiring and assembly of complex mechanical and electrical systems, among other skills.