WeGo celebrates second apprenticeship graduation as agency expands mechanic training

WeGo recognized four new graduates of its mechanic apprenticeship program during the board meeting and presented program statistics and next steps.

Deputy and operations staff described the apprenticeship as a three-year rotational program launched in 2021 in partnership with a Joint Apprenticeship Council and the Tennessee apprenticeship program. Staff reported 14 apprentices currently enrolled, four total graduates to date (including earlier graduates Britney Cordova and Brandon Moss), and named the four graduates honored at the meeting: Diego Alvarez, Hunter Bernett, Matthew Cordova and Remington Stewart.

Program staff said apprentices receive a blend of classroom instruction and hands-on fleet diagnostics that prepare them for A‑mechanic roles, and that trainers and mentors from the maintenance team support the cohorts. Trainers identified in the presentation included Kenya Casey, Michael Meyers, James Bailey and Frederrico Martin. Staff told the board the program helps expand internal capacity, supports fleet reliability and provides a career path that local residents can pursue.

Board members praised the program as a successful local workforce pipeline and invited the board to a public recognition event at the training lab. Staff said recruitment for the next cohort is underway with a target of adding eight to ten apprentices.