Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to discuss the joint training and apprenticeship system emerging in maintenance occupations in the US transit industry, its challenges and strategies to overcome them. Design/methodology/approach: The paper reports on early results, including efforts to develop a consensus national framework for apprenticeship and training in transit maintenance. In the paper, training is an arena that both management and labour have common interests. Collaboration in training can foster partnership and improved labour-management relationships. Implementing technological innovations and organisational changes in workplace practices are facilitated by training and together with training demonstrate strong positive financial payoffs. Findings: The paper finds that the training and apprenticeship system discussed is not yet fully implemented. Research limitations/implications: The paper shows that several industries in America and other countries are facing similar shortages of skilled technicians due to technological and significant demographic changes. Originality/value: The paper reviews approaches taken to develop a national effort to promote quality and sustainability in the emerging training system for transit maintenance workers.