Established in 2006, the Joint Workforce Investment (JWI) is a collaborative labor-management partnership between the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 265 (ATU). Together, these organizations operate as a unified team, working collectively to achieve shared goals and strengthen the workforce.
A partnership between the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 265 (ATU)
PEER GUIDANCE
Operator to Operator
As part of the program, new operators are paired with experienced, veteran operators who serve as mentors. Before mentoring, these seasoned operators complete a specialized training course offered through a local university partner, ensuring they are equipped with the skills to guide new team members effectively.
The program combines hands-on, on-the-job learning with structured classroom instruction. New operators gain practical experience through ride-alongs, shadowing, and mentorship, while also learning best practices in customer service and strategies for managing job-related stress. This comprehensive approach ensures that new operators are fully prepared to provide safe, efficient, and high-quality transit service from day one.
HEALTH & WELLNESS
Managing Stress
As a key part of the Joint Workforce Investments core training, new operators participate in programs focused on health, wellness, and professional development. These activities emphasize mastering the “human element” of bus operations while applying effective stress management and wellness techniques.
After completing initial driving time, new operators engage in classroom debriefings to reflect on their experiences, discussing how they managed stress in challenging situations. The goal is to equip operators with practical strategies to handle on-the-job stress and make sound decisions when operating independently.
The training curriculum features a structured workbook introducing the Encounter–Defuse–Recenter–“Let Go” stress management model, providing operators with actionable tools to maintain focus, composure, and well-being in every situation.
The Joint Workforce Investment's leadership style is collaborative, inclusive, and focused on empowerment. By fostering open communication and encouraging shared decision-making between labor and management, leaders cultivate a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous learning. This approach ensures that employees are supported, motivated, and equipped to reach their full potential while advancing the organization’s mission of delivering high-quality public transportation services.
Our Leadership
HARPREET SINGH
Co-Director (ATU 265)
STEVE JOVEL
Co-Director (VTA)
DERIK CALHOUN
VTA, Chef Operations
RAJVINDER SINGH
GOALS & PURPOSE
A Brief Overview of Joint Workforce Investment
The Joint Workforce Investment was created to address VTA’s mission of delivering high-quality, reliable public transportation services throughout Santa Clara County, while also cultivating a supportive work environment that emphasizes long-term professional growth, health, and wellness for all employees. By aligning labor and management goals, JWI ensures that the workforce is not only well-prepared but also empowered to contribute to the success of the transit system and the community it serves.
Building on the proven model of skilled trades’ apprenticeship programs, JWI exemplifies a strong labor-management partnership where a highly skilled, high-performing workforce is essential. This approach recognizes that professional development, mentoring, and training are not just benefits—they are critical investments in both individual success and organizational excellence.
Through this partnership, employees gain access to structured career pathways, tailored training programs, and peer-to-peer mentoring opportunities. By fostering a culture of collaboration, continuous learning, and mutual support, JWI strengthens employees’ capabilities and promotes public service excellence.
Our commitment to professional growth ensures that employees are prepared to meet the evolving demands of modern transit operations while achieving personal career goals.