California Transit Consortium Awards Scholarships as Industry Shifts to Zero-Emission Fleets

The California Transit Training Consortium (CTTC) has awarded $17,250 in scholarships to 12 students pursuing automotive careers through the James A. Ditch Education Fund. The move comes as the transit industry faces rapid changes driven by zero-emission mandates and new technologies.

At the same time, CTTC has appointed industry veteran Brad Hollenbeck as its new Vice Chair, citing his broad experience in sustainable fleet solutions and bus electrification as key assets for the role.

Hollenbeck joined Complete Coach Works in 2024 as Manager of Business Development, where he collaborates with transit agencies on innovative and sustainable fleet upgrades. His background covers full bus refurbishment, accident repair, leasing, used bus sales, and battery-electric bus conversions. CTTC leadership highlighted his career as an example of the forward-thinking expertise needed in today's transit sector.

The consortium's Board of Directors, made up of representatives from public transit agencies, academia, and private industry, guides its focus on expanding access to high-impact training. With transit agencies accelerating battery-electric adoption—including major operators like Los Angeles Metro and New York MTA—demand for skilled workers in alternative fuels and lower-emission propulsion is rising. By early 2026, 12 North American agencies had submitted concrete plans to fully transition their fleets to battery-electric buses by 2035.

CTTC remains committed to training programmes that bridge cutting-edge technologies with foundational skills. Hollenbeck's role will emphasise stronger collaboration between transit agencies, educational institutions, and industry partners. The goal is to ensure training keeps pace with both emerging technologies and current operational needs.

The scholarships awarded this year reflect CTTC's ongoing investment in workforce development. The James A. Ditch Education Fund supports students entering automotive and transit fields, addressing a growing need for technicians skilled in zero-emission vehicle maintenance and advanced propulsion systems.

The appointment of Hollenbeck and the latest scholarship awards come as the transit industry undergoes a major shift. With 12 agencies now planning full electrification by 2035, the need for specialised training and workforce development is more urgent than ever. CTTC's initiatives aim to prepare workers for the demands of next-generation transit systems while maintaining reliable service across California and beyond.