Three Fort Hayes Metropolitan Education Center students are spending their summer building technical skills and exploring careers in fleet maintenance through an internship with Transportation and Traffic Management (TTM).
Janish, Marcus and Isaiah, all rising seniors in the Class of 2027, are interning with TTM. Department leaders hope to retain the students during the school year, creating opportunities for continued training and potential future employment.
"This program isn't just about filling immediate job openings, it's about building a sustainable pipeline for the future of our industry," said John Marlow, associate director of Vehicle and Equipment Maintenance for TTM. "We're excited to team up with local schools to invest in the next generation of technicians."
The students work alongside TTM technicians maintaining a diverse fleet that includes transit and shuttle buses, refuse trucks, dump trucks, pickups, SUVs, law enforcement vehicles, natural gas and electric vehicles, and utility vehicles. Their responsibilities include preventive maintenance, safety inspections, brake repairs, tire service, electrical diagnostics, hydraulic repairs and other hands-on mechanical work.
By working on a modern fleet with experienced mentors, the students are gaining exposure to technologies and equipment they would be unlikely to encounter in a traditional classroom setting. The experience is designed to help them develop practical skills while preparing them for careers in the transportation and automotive industries.
"Students gain invaluable, real-world experience working on a diverse fleet of modern vehicles, including electric and natural gas technology," said Marlow. "They receive direct mentorship from experienced technicians, build a strong foundation for a career in the skilled trades and potentially secure long-term employment through the school year and beyond."
The internship also benefits TTM by strengthening its workforce pipeline.
"This internship allows us to keep high school students engaged in the field, build a stronger local talent pool and support our current team while positions are vacant," said Marlow.