The Osceola County School District is in the process of developing an maintenance apprenticeship program, thought to be the first of its kind in the state. Individuals with an interest in learning about school bus technology and to gain training and experience in repairing buses are being paid while they attend school and participate in training.

There have been other school bus apprenticeship programs in the U.S., but none at least in modern-day Florida.

“We currently have three apprentices that are working in our central bus depot in our district. There are plans to expand the program after the initial testing period,” said Borras, supervisor of transportation for Osceola County Schools, located south and east of Orlando.

The program is beneficial for mechanics by providing hands-on experience they cannot receive elsewhere. The program offers the opportunity to learn useful skills in a work environment and will assist in job placement opportunities.

According to Borras, the apprenticeship program is going well. Young people are working and learning through it and more are coming into the program.

“We are growing our new program. Our students have to take an aptitude test and, if they do well, they begin a hands-on learning process. We look for students who have an interest in being a mechanic and like to work with their hands,” he explained.

Borras hopes to get more younger people interested in careers as school bus mechanics. “We are working on creating a flow from local high school technical programs. We want to show them the advantages of working for the school district as a mechanic,” he said.

Related: Oregon School District Maintenance Internship Program Yields Success
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Related: School Bus Driver, Mechanic Among California Classified School Employees of Year

The students complete book work or academic style courses and then they work with experienced mechanics who have the patience and willingness to teach younger people to become expert bus mechanics.

It generally takes about a year and a half for a beginning apprentice to complete a training program to be considered qualified to work more independently. Those who can pass their course work more quickly can complete the training sooner. The apprentices are being paid while they study and learn from the more experienced mechanics.

For years, young people were not encouraged to pursue careers in the trades but there are many advantages to pursuing an apprenticeship. Young people who are less interested in academics may find repairing engines or learning various trades to be more fulfilling and exciting. One can work with experienced adults and learn valuable skills quickly.

Unlike young people who go to college and pay high tuition costs, school bus apprentices are receiving a paycheck while they learn. And if they stay with Osceola or go to another county, they receive state benefits including full health coverage and a full state pension after retirement.

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MACON, Ga.-Blue Bird Corporation (Nasdaq: BLBD), the leader in electric and low-emission school buses, today announced that Britton Smith has resigned from his position as President, effective September 28, 2024.

Mr. Smith has decided to step down for personal reasons. The Company respects his decision and wishes him well in his future endeavors. Mr. Smith will step down from the Company’s Board of Directors, effective immediately.

“On behalf of the Board of Directors and the entire Blue Bird team, I want to express our gratitude to Britton for his leadership and contributions to the Company,” said Doug Grimm, Chairman of the Board. “We wish him all the best in the future.”

Following Mr. Smith’s departure, Blue Bird’s current Chief Executive Officer, Phil Horlock, will assume the additional role of President and continue to lead the Company, as he has for nearly 14 years.

“It has been an honor to serve as President of Blue Bird,” said Britton Smith. “My decision to step down is driven by personal reasons and I need to focus on these important aspects of my life at this time. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to our employees and partners for their support during my tenure.”

Blue Bird remains focused on executing its profitable growth plan, leading in the deployment of clean alternative-powered school buses and delivering value for its shareholders, customers, dealers and employees.

About Blue Bird Corporation:
Blue Bird (NASDAQ: BLBD) is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Our dedicated team members design, engineer and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world 25 million children twice a day making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is the proven leader in low- and zero-emission school buses with more than 20,000 propane, natural gas, and electric powered buses in operation today. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

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