San Bernardino Valley College and Omnitrans are joining forces for an apprenticeship program that will benefit Inland Empire students looking for first- rate mechanical training from expert instructors.

The program, in agreement with Teamsters Union 166, is now going through the approval process with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS). Once the program is officially given the green light, apprenticeship students will enroll in SBVC's heavy/medium duty truck technology department. Upon completion, the students will be eligible to apply for positions at Omnitrans.

"Omnitrans is very pleased to be partnering with San Bernardino Valley College on a new apprenticeship program," Omnitrans Technical Services Manager Victoria Chesney said. "We look forward to complementing the academic experience local students receive at SBVC by providing hands on technological experience that will help them, and our agency, to prepare for the zero emissions bus fleets that represent the future of environmental sustainability in our region."