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Amtran on Wednesday lowered its age minimums for drivers and mechanics, after its insurance consortium granted permission for member transit agencies to do so, in response to the ongoing, widespread labor shortage.
Previously, under the State Association for Transportation Insurance rules, drivers needed to be 25 years old and mechanics at least 18, but now drivers can be as young as 21 and mechanics, 16.
As a precaution, SAFTI imposed additional safety criteria for the younger prospective hirees.
Amtran is down two drivers and has struggled to hire them since the pandemic, but some agencies in the region have had it worse, with driver deficits of more than 20, said CEO Josh Baker after the meeting. Amtran has been able to maintain its roster of mechanics, hiring qualified ones who fit with the organization's culture, but will now be able to consider younger candidates, if they begin to apply, Baker said.
Applicants for driver positions who are 21 or 22 must have had a driver's license for at least three years, have a clean motor vehicle driving record and must pass a personality assessment approved by SAFTI, according to a new policy adopted by Amtran. After being hired, until they reach the age of 23, those drivers must be subjected to quarterly checks of their motor vehicle records, quarterly video reviews of their driving and at least one anonymous on-board passenger or trailing-vehicle check of their driving, according to the policy.
Mechanics who are 16 or 17 must be supervised at all times, must have all their work inspected before the vehicles they worked on are placed into service, must receive safety orientation training developed especially for mechanics that young and must not drive any agency vehicles, according to the new policy.
There are limitations on driving buses for mechanics until they reach 23 years of age.
Mechanics who are 16 or 17 would basically be in a mentorship program, said Bernie Walkowsky, director of maintenance.
The reduction in minimum age for mechanics could create opportunities for an apprentice program for students from vo-tech schools in the area, according to one official.
"Get into the system and eventually become a mechanic," said board member Larry Bilotto. "It's a great idea. College isn't the only way forward."
There's a lot of interest in such a program, Baker said.
The intake procedure for applicants at Amtran is extensive, according to Baker.
It includes the compiling of an initial list by Human Resources Director Betsy Randazzo, phone screening, a personality assessment, meetings with the appropriate department head, a potentially "intimidating" 10-member team interview, plus background checks and a physical, Baker said.
There are 23 transit agencies in the SAFTI self-insurance pool, according to Baker, noting that member agencies are graded every year for meeting the standards set by the consortium.
The consortium saves significant money for members, and Amtran has been a member in good standing for a long time, he said.
Mirror Staff Writer William Kibler is at 814-949-7038.