Brianna Harrison is the first woman to journey out of Sac RT’s new mechanic apprenticeship program.
Ten-year IBEW 1245 member Brianna Harrison recently became the first woman to complete Sacramento Regional Transit’s new state- and federally-recognized apprenticeship for journey-level mechanics. The 36-month apprenticeship program, which launched in October of 2016, consists of both classroom and on-the-job training, and requires hard work, dedication, attention to detail and exceptional commitment.
Achieving journey status is an enormous accomplishment for Harrison, and she’s incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity.
“It’s definitely a privilege. I am a person that always needs a challenge, and this program presented that,” she told the Utility Reporter at Sac RT’s journeyman mechanic graduation ceremony. “It feels good to achieve a goal that I had.”
Harrison started her career at RT as a service worker over a decade ago, with the aspiration of someday becoming a journeyman.
“When the opportunity afforded itself, I did all the work it took to get into it, and I entered the program,” she said. “I always set out to excel in whatever I do. I’m proud of myself!”
Harrison appreciates having IBEW 1245 union representation as an RT employee.
“The union’s always had my back. It seems like they’re proactive when issues arise, and also they’re just here to check in,” said Harrison. “I see [my IBEW 1245 Business Rep, Sheila Lawton] even when there’s not anything going on, so I appreciate the support.”
“We are excited by Brianna’s accomplishment, and hope that other women will follow in her footsteps,” said Lawton.
Photos by John Storey
Brianna Harrison and fellow Journeyman Mechanic Anthony Bertuccelli (who graduated from the apprenticeship at the same time as Harrison), flanked by 1245 Business Rep Sheila Lawton and Senior Assistant Business Manager Al Fortier, show off their new IBEW 1245 Journeyman backpacks