# Dallas students learn bus repair alongside DART mechanics

> Fourteen high school seniors are getting hands-on diesel maintenance training through a new partnership with the city's transit agency.
- Title: Dallas students learn bus repair alongside DART mechanics
- Summary: Fourteen high school seniors are getting hands-on diesel maintenance training through a new partnership with the city's transit agency. A new Dallas ISD and…
- Keywords: dallas isd, dart, dallas area rapid transit, bus maintenance, high school externship, automotive technician program, diesel mechanics, career training, workforce development, dallas, trenise winters, oswaldo alvarenga
- Source: Dallas Express — https://dallasexpress.com/education/dallas-isd-dart-launch-bus-maintenance-program-for-14-high-school-seniors
- Author: Dallas Express
- Published: 2026-09-16T16:00:44+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: dallas isd, dart, dallas area rapid transit, bus maintenance, high school externship, automotive technician program, diesel mechanics, career training, workforce development, dallas, trenise winters, oswaldo alvarenga
## New bus maintenance externship launches
Fourteen Dallas ISD seniors will spend the semester learning bus maintenance alongside DART mechanics. It's the first program of its kind in the district.
## Students paired with professional technicians
The 14 seniors train alongside DART bus maintenance technicians. They learn vehicle inspections, engine fundamentals, and climate system maintenance.
## Addressing the diesel mechanic shortage
DART says the partnership helps address a shortage of diesel maintenance mechanics while expanding career opportunities for students.

> DART recognizes just how important it is to support education in the region, and to cultivate the next generation of diesel maintenance mechanics.
## Real world problem solving
Dallas ISD's deputy chief says students grow most when solving real problems. The partnership creates immediate impact in high-demand career pathways.

> Our students grow the most when they're in the real world solving real problems.
## Preparing future transit leaders
DART's chairman calls it an investment in people who could eventually lead the agency. The program prepares both DART and its future workforce.

> Are we simply preparing DART for the future, or are we preparing the people who will lead DART into the future?
## A career, not just a job
One student told administrators he's getting a career, not just a job. He learned from technicians that starting pay is $33 an hour.

> You know, Mr. Jones, I'm not gonna get a job out of this. I'm gonna get a career.
## Key takeaway

A new Dallas ISD and DART partnership gives 14 high school seniors hands-on bus maintenance training and a pathway to careers starting at $33 per hour.