GCC GREAT Center to Offer Transit Electronics & Communications Technician Certificate Program

Are you seeking work as an electro-mechanical technician?  Are you applying for a position in the transit or transportation fields and you know that a challenging aptitude test awaits you? Perhaps you are skilled in these areas and considering a new line of work.  

Consider taking part in a program applicable to maintenance, repair, installation and calibration in multiple areas of mass transit and public transportation:  the Transit Electronics & Communications Technician Certificate program at Gateway Community College’s GREAT Center.    

The module-based program begins June 24 and is an introduction to the technical background related for various occupations that require electrical and mechanical competencies.    

The certificate program is also vital to prepare for entry-level exams and mechanical skills assessments. The instructors have practical experience as well as connections to the transit sector. Components of training include electrical safety, math for circuits, motor controls and AC/DC Drives, troubleshooting, tool review, mock testing and interviewing and very specific subject matter related to different transit occupations.  

Classes are scheduled from June 24 – October 11. This is structured to blend well with a working person’s life, with 15 hours of classroom and laboratory training Mondays through Fridays from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.  Additional dates may be added, should they be needed. Cost for the course is $3,495.  

“If you have already studied electronics, electrical engineering, electro-mechanics or have an aptitude for it, this is a natural progression,” said Ann Harrison, program coordinator.   

Highly skilled technicians are needed to maintain and repair new and sophisticated equipment in the transit industry such as signals, cars, equipment, as well as infrastructure. With the state receiving $30 million in federal funding last year for the construction of a high speed rail line from New Haven to Hartford and Springfield, job prospects continue to look promising. At the same time, the state’s roadways, bridges and highways are continually being updated, from traffic light configurations to installing new systems, and all need employees with these skills.  

The Transit Electronics & Communications Technician Certificate is on the Eligible Training Programs List (ETPL) for CTWorks and the state Department of Labor. The training is also a pathway to higher-level degrees, including an A.S. in Railroad Technology.  

Gateway is offering an Academic Boot Camp prior to the course – free of charge! Boot Camp begins June 3, runs for three weeks, and is highly recommended.  This is ideal if you have been out of school for a while or need to brush up on your math and reading skills to get ready for the program and for the rigors of aptitude tests.  

For more information, call Ann Harrison at (203) 285-2309 or email her at aharrison@gatewayct.edu.