Building Blocks

The CUTA Building Blocks initiative is a comprehensive collection of programs aimed at enhancing the recruitment, training, and mentorship of young professionals interested in the transit industry across Canada. The key programs within this initiative include:

Careers in Public Transit Outreach Program (CIPTOP): An outreach program designed to educate secondary and post-secondary students about potential careers in transit and the benefits associated with them. This program targets schools to inspire students to consider the diverse and rewarding opportunities within the transit sector.

Minding the Gap: A research program focused on identifying and addressing gaps in education and recruitment programs for potential transit professionals. This includes pinpointing relevant programs in post-secondary institutions. By improving the alignment between educational offerings and industry needs, this program aims to ensure that students are well-prepared for careers in transit.

Young and Emerging Leaders Sub-Committee (YELSC): A CUTA-led sub-committee that unites young transit leaders to enhance networking, education, and training opportunities for young professionals in the industry. YELSC provides a platform for young leaders to collaborate, share knowledge, and develop the skills necessary to drive the future of transit.

Young Leaders Summit: An in-person event organized by CUTA and YELSC, aiming to bring together young leaders in transit to discuss networking, education, and training, similar to the objectives of YELSC but in an event format. This summit provides a unique opportunity for young professionals to engage with industry experts, participate in workshops, and build lasting professional relationships.

Leaders Building Leaders: A successful initiative that pairs mentors with mentees within the transit industry based on their interests, goals, and personalities. CUTA monitors and maintains the program to ensure valuable learning and insight for both mentors and mentees, fostering a supportive environment for career growth and development within the transit sector.

The CUTA Building Blocks initiative represents a strategic effort to build a strong foundation for the future of the transit industry by investing in the development of young professionals.

Careers In Public Transit Outreach Program

The Careers in Public Transit Outreach Program (CIPTOP) is a CUTA campaign under the Workforce Development Committee, supported by the Young and Emerging Leaders Sub-Committee (YELSC). This program educates secondary and post-secondary students about career opportunities in the transit industry, aiming to inspire them to pursue these careers.

CIPTOP focuses on school outreach by organizing presentations, workshops, and interactive sessions. These events provide insights into various transit careers, highlighting roles from engineering to operations. Industry professionals and young leaders from YELSC share their experiences and offer guidance.

To support its mission, CIPTOP provides resources such as brochures, career guides, and online content, helping students learn about transit career pathways. The program also offers recruitment and career resources to further assist students in exploring opportunities within the transit sector.

Schools interested in hosting CIPTOP can contact CUTA at [email protected] to schedule a presentation or workshop, bringing valuable career insights to their students.

By leveraging the expertise of the Workforce Development Committee and YELSC, CIPTOP ensures a steady influx of skilled individuals into the transit industry, contributing to its growth and innovation.

Minding the Gap

The public transit industry is evolving and needs a skilled workforce to support its growth. With increased retirements, there’s a critical demand for new public transportation planners and engineers.

Minding the Gap is a research project led by Timothy Young (PhD Candidate, York University) and Patrick Yutiga (Chair, Youth & Emerging Leaders Sub-Committee). The project aims to assess the adequacy of transit content in Canadian university programs to meet current and future industry needs.

Our goal is to develop a new educational framework for transit material at Canadian universities, equipping students with the knowledge and skills for a seamless transition into the transit industry.

We invite you to participate in our 5-minute surveys to help us identify gaps in transit education. Your input will be crucial in attracting, retaining, and developing future public transportation professionals in Canada.

Young and Emerging Leaders Sub-Committee

The Young and Emerging Leaders Sub-Committee (YELSC) is a CUTA-led initiative under the Workforce Development Committee. YELSC brings together young professionals in the transit industry to enhance networking, education, and training opportunities. This sub-committee meets monthly on the first Monday of the month, when available, to discuss and plan initiatives that support the development of emerging leaders in transit.

YELSC focuses on creating a supportive community where young transit professionals can collaborate, share knowledge, and develop essential skills. Through regular meetings, the sub-committee identifies key areas for professional growth and implements programs and events that address these needs. YELSC members benefit from the collective experience and insights of their peers, fostering a dynamic environment for career advancement.

To achieve its mission, YELSC organizes various activities, including workshops, webinars, and networking events. These activities provide young leaders with opportunities to learn from industry experts, gain new perspectives, and build valuable connections. By participating in YELSC initiatives, members can enhance their professional competencies and prepare for leadership roles within the transit industry.

In addition to its regular activities, YELSC contributes to CUTA’s broader goals by participating in strategic planning and providing input on workforce development initiatives. The sub-committee’s insights and recommendations help shape programs and policies that benefit the entire transit industry, ensuring that the needs of young professionals are addressed.

For more information about YELSC or to get involved, interested individuals can contact CUTA at [email protected]. By joining YELSC, young transit professionals can take an active role in their career development and contribute to the future of the transit industry.

Young Leaders Summit

The Young Leaders Summit (YLS) is an in-person event organized by CUTA and the Young and Emerging Leaders Sub-Committee (YELSC). Designed to bring together young professionals in the transit industry, YLS focuses on networking, education, and training, mirroring the objectives of YELSC but in a dynamic event format.

YLS serves as a platform for young leaders to engage with industry experts, participate in workshops, and collaborate on innovative solutions to challenges facing the transit sector. The summit offers a unique opportunity for attendees to gain insights into the latest trends and developments in transit, helping them stay ahead in their careers.

One of the key features of YLS is its emphasis on interactive learning and collaboration. The event includes a variety of sessions such as panel discussions, breakout workshops, and hands-on activities that encourage active participation and knowledge sharing. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, from emerging technologies and sustainable practices to leadership skills and career development.

The next YLS will be in Montreal from October 31st to November 2nd.

For those interested in participating in the Young Leaders Summit, details and registration information are available through CUTA. Contact CUTA at [email protected] to learn more about YLS and how to get involved. By attending YLS, young transit professionals can enhance their skills, expand their networks, and contribute to the future of public transit.

Leaders Building Leaders

CUTA’s Mentorship Program, Leaders Building Leaders, is a key initiative run by CUTA, aimed at fostering the development of young professionals in the transit industry. This program pairs mentors with mentees based on their interests, goals, and personalities, creating meaningful and productive mentoring relationships. The Mentorship Program is monitored and maintained by CUTA to ensure both mentors and mentees gain valuable insights and experience.

Mentors and mentees connect at least five times a year to discuss their experience working in the industry. Together, they set goals for a mentee’s future success while expanding networks and building professional relationships.

The Mission:

To develop emerging leaders within the transit industry by building positive relationships between mentors and mentees, fostering personal and professional development and creating opportunities for networking.

The Mentorship Program follows 5 Goals:
1. Increase the number of professionals choosing a career in the transit industry.

2. Provide new transit professionals with a deeper understanding of the industry.

3. Foster transferable skills through goal-setting and a one-on-one training.

4. Create opportunities to acquire knowledge about specializations and roles within the transit industry.

5. Develop emerging leaders while championing equity, diversity, and inclusion.