TUF Celebrates E.L.E.V.A.T.E. Class of 2026

 

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APRIL 2, 2026—TWU Local 100 and NYC Transit Training and Upgrading Fund (TUF) held a vibrant graduation ceremony today for the 2026 Entry Level Employee Vocational and Training Enhancement (ELEVATE) classes at the union hall.

Designed for TWU Local 100 members with little to no prior electrical experience, ELEVATE provides the foundational knowledge and hands-on skills required to pass the civil service exam for the title of Transit Electrical Helper, providing members with an incredible opportunity for career advancement.

The graduates spent nine months studying while also working their transit jobs—some as Cleaners, Station Agents and Bus Operators. 

“Education is the key to your next step,” said Charles Jenkins, Director of the Training and Upgrading Fund and creator of the ELEVATE program. “It is the key to your journey that will continue. Your skillset, your value, is in great need for this company. There is no stopping us.”

In less than two weeks, the graduates will sit for the Transit Electrical Helper Exam, the next step towards becoming a Maintainer.

“Congratulations to all of us, it’s been a journey,” said Deisy Estrada, Salutatorian of ELEVATE Class of 2026. “We’ve made big sacrifices to make ourselves better and complete this program. We did it!”

Thirty transit workers were honored at the graduation ceremony, each walking away with the technical skills, confidence and qualifications necessary to advance their careers in the electrical trade.

President John Chiarello was present at the graduation to wish the students well and reinforce the importance of investing in the trades.

“They want to diminish our workforce, so what we’re doing is moving with the workforce,” said John Chiarello, President of TWU Local 100. “No matter what happens, I can guarantee you one thing—if an electrical problem happens, someone has to go out and fix it. Robot’s ain’t doing that.”

The Local 100 members began their journey in June of last year, completing nine months of practical training and classroom instruction.

This was the fifth year the annual program took place.