The Certified Transit Technician Program (CTTP) delivers technical training in a variety of subject areas specific to transit vehicle maintenance. The curriculum has been approved by the Florida Department of Education (FDOE), and those who complete the program will earn Post-Secondary Adult Vocational (PSAV) certification and an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) Master Certification in transit vehicle maintenance. The program comprises classroom and hands-on training to ensure that training is both realistic and current. Students who desire to continue their education can receive up to 33 credit hours towards an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree at participating community colleges. This training program uses the following cutting edge instructional methodologies to deliver an unprecedented distance learning experience.
Virtual Hands-On Training (VHOT) – This concept allows students to do real-time troubleshooting over the Internet while miles away at their worksite. Students from remote locations make actual repairs to equipment that is located at a distant facility. A defect is strategically inserted into a bus, and all parties login using Internet based software. The instructor starts the troubleshooting software and hands the remote control over to the student, who is at his/her worksite location. The instructor monitors the student and acts as his/her assistant, connecting cables, starting the bus, etc. A mobile web camera is also used, enabling the student to view connections, pins, and other components. When the repair is made by the assistant, the student clears the code and the bus is repaired. This element of the program is cutting-edge distance learning and allows the instructor to monitor troubleshooting techniques, hands-on, on-the-job training (OJT) performance, decision making, and parts selection.
3D Modeling – The methodology developed under this concept in partnership with a software development firm creates a 3D model distance learning structure that is computer based and student driven. This technique is used in conjunction with and separate from the classroom portion of instruction. Testing after instruction is built in to the training module and can be set to advance the student through the module based on correct answers or redirect the student for additional instruction before progressing further. A comprehensive assessment strategy is used to continuously monitor program performance. Reviews, assessments, and comparisons involving performance measurement and operating indicators evaluate four phases of the program: classroom/hands-on instruction, curriculum, instructor performance, and on-the-job training.
Course content developed for the Certified Transit Technician Program includes:
- Transit Equipment Preventive Maintenance
- Transit Basic Electrical Systems
- Transit Wheelchair Lift/Ramp
- Transit Diesel Engine Preventive Maintenance
- Transit Steering and Suspension
- Transit Hydraulics
- Transit Diesel Electrical and Diesel Engine Electronics
- Transit Drivetrain
- Transit Intermediate Electrical Systems
- Transit Brakes/Air System
- Transit Alternative Fuel/Power Systems
- Transit Advanced Electrical Systems
- Transit Heating and Air-Conditioning
- Transmission Diagnosis, Rebuild and Repair
- Diesel Engine Diagnosis, Rebuild and Repair
