New WIN-LA Program Would Create Pipeline to Metro Jobs for Area Residents

A program that would educate, train and provide opportunities for local residents to gain jobs and careers at the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and throughout the transportation industry is under development and will soon be launched, the agency recently announced.

The goal of the Workforce Initiative Now Program (WIN-LA) is to create a pathway for local residents who want to work in construction, professional services, transit operations and maintenance, as well as other related jobs and careers. The program is currently being finalized by Metro and local leaders in education and workforce development.

“So many local residents are desperate for these types of jobs and careers but don’t know how to get them,” said Metro Board Chair John Fasana. “WIN-LA will ensure that residents of all communities have the chance to build the infrastructure of the 21st century and share in the many benefits that come with good careers.”

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Metro expects the coming decades to be busy ones when it comes to planning and building infrastructure, with many projects already under construction or in the works. The boom in local infrastructure development, coupled with the agency’s aging workforce, creates an urgent need for a new generation of qualified, trained and prepared talent. It’s important that the workforce pool reflects Southern California’s demographics.

“We are not just building transportation infrastructure and providing the freedom that comes with mobility, we’re also striving to rebuild our region’s middle class and show people the ladder of opportunity they can climb toward economic prosperity and a better life,” said Metro CEO Phillip A. Washington. “That may sound overly ambitious to some but I view these programs that lift all communities as a priority and WIN-LA will provide that benefit to our region.”

WIN-LA joins two other Metro programs — the Construction Careers Policy and Project Labor Agreement — that are designed to provide apprenticeships and construction jobs on agency transportation projects to those from economically disadvantaged areas and communities near new infrastructure. If you are interested in learning more about the WIN-LA program and are willing to commit to training or other efforts to help you build a great career, please visit our Vendor Portal http://metro.net/connect, click on the Events tab on the right side and then click on WIN-LA Program Interest Form.