Daylong program introduces transportation job options for those returning to civilian life
ORANGE, Calif. – Marines returning to civilian life landed at the Orange County Transportation Authority (OCTA) last week as part of an innovative program to introduce the men and women to careers in transportation.
Industry professionals from OCTA, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transit Authority, Caltrans and Veolia Transportation detailed the broad spectrum of careers available in the transportation field including engineering, planning, project management, construction, mechanics, maintenance, driving, finance, communications and administration.
“Our marines have an incredible gift of service and have gained valuable knowledge during their time in the military,” said Art Leahy, CEO of OCTA. “OCTA and the transportation industry can provide them the opportunity to utilize the training they received while continuing to serve their community.”
The Careers in Transportation Day program featured presentations from various speakers on each aspect of the transportation industry. The day ended with a tour of an OCTA bus base that covered the maintenance training program, facilities maintenance and bus operations.
Among the participants was Staff Sgt. Todd Brandmeyer, 43, a 20-year Marine. He said the current job market is a concern and he’s exploring his career options. “Right now things are hard – people are not hiring,” Brandmeyer said. “(Transportation) might be a good opportunity for me, to take care of my family.”
Corrina Brennan, with Camp Pendleton’s Family Member Employment Assistance Program, said this was the most comprehensive program that originated from an independent employer. The outreach provided extensive information about career opportunities for Marines ready to retire from the military but not yet ready to retire from the workforce.
A number of OCTA employees who are retired from military service interacted with the Marines, detailed their own career paths and discussed potential jobs in the transportation industry.
Bob Nathan, an OCTA public information specialist who served with the Army in Vietnam, said this program provided a great opportunity to give the Marines exposure to an industry they may not be considering.
“It was an honor to be able to share my experiences with the Marines and help open their eyes to what possibilities exist for them in the future,” he said.
The day was the first of what OCTA hopes will become a regular part of its hiring and outreach programs. The program developed during talks between OCTA executives and Camp Pendleton’s leadership following the transportation agency’s participation in a mentoring program through California State University Fullerton.
“So many of the skills that men and women develop in the military are transferable to jobs in transportation,” said Leahy. “There are specific abilities that directly transfer and the training, discipline and ability to work in a hierarchy all are qualifications that are highly desired among employers.”
Feedback from the Careers in Transportation Day has been positive from the Marines and the other participating agencies and OCTA expects the program will grow based on promises from the Marines to spread the word at Camp Pendleton. The Marine Corps base is located approximately an hour south of OCTA headquarters in Orange.
