Apprentice Trainee Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $20.94 - $21.99 Hourly
Location : Torrance, CA
Job Type: Recurrent Regular Part-time (30-39 hrs/wk)
Job Number: ARBO-2026
Department: TRANSIT
Opening Date: 10/22/2025
Closing Date: Continuous
DESCRIPTION
WE STRONGLY ENCOURAGE APPLICANTS TO READ THE JOB ANNOUNCEMENT
IN ITS ENTIRETY BEFORE SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION FOR THIS POSITION.
The City of Torrance recognizes the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to the City of Torrance today.
The City of Torrance is recruiting for Apprentice Relief us Operators/Trainees to be part of the Torrance Transit Team!
This is a training program for individuals with NO prior commercial passenger transportation driving experience, and who do NOT possess a commercial license.
Torrance Transit is an award-winning, municipally operated public transportation agency in the region of Los Angeles County. The agency operates a fleet of 63, alternative-fueled, 40-foot buses. Established in 1940, the department operates a network of eleven (11) fixed-route bus lines, microtransit programs, and specialized transportation services for seniors and individuals with disabilities. With a commitment to sustainability and customer service, Torrance Transit connects residents, employees, and visitors to major destinations throughout Los Angeles County while supporting regional mobility and enhancing the quality of life in the community. The mission of Torrance Transit is to provide safe, reliable, inexpensive, and courteous transportation to our customers - the people who live, work, and do business in the City of Torrance and the region.
Do you have outstanding customer service skills? Do you have a track record of safe driving? Do you want to receive PAID training? Do you want to work for a transit agency where you're known by name and your contributions are valued?
If you answered "yes" to all of the above, then the City of Torrance Apprentice Relief Bus Operator position is for you!
Start your career with Torrance Transit NOW!
• We have an exceptional six-month training program that includes classroom and behind-the-wheel training.
• City contributes towards health insurance for you.
• After you have worked for the City for 90 days, you begin accumulating paid sick leave hours.
• You can promote to Relief Bus Operator after six months of successful performance with pay starting at $23.97/hour.
• You have the opportunity to promote from Relief Bus Operator to a full-time Bus Operator in approximately 1 year and make $27.24/hour.
CAN YOU SAY CAREER GROWTH?
You can start as an Apprentice Relief Bus Operator at $20.94/hour and in just 2 years, you can be a full-time Bus Operator making $29.34/hour. Full-time Bus Operators make $35.68/hour in just 4 years! Extra pay for working night shifts. Overtime available! On-going training and driving an ALL green fleet.
QUALIFICATION GUIDELINES
Do You Have?
Two (2) years of driving experience in California with a safe driving record.
A Drivers License to show that you are at least 21 years old.
A Driving Record (K4) from the DMV dated in the last thirty days.
Availability to work various shifts on weekdays, weekends, evenings, and holidays.
At least six (6) months of Customer Service expertise or work requiring contact with the public, and top-notch people skills.
Steady and stable work history demonstrating a strong work ethic, dependability, and reliability.
**NO prior commercial passenger transportation driving experience (You read that right! No experience necessary).
A Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP) from the DMV (Note: this is NOT required, but is preferred). To find out how to get your Commercial Learner's Permit, visit:
This all sounds GREAT so where do I apply? (Did we read your mind?)
HOW TO APPLY & EXAM PROCESS
Interested candidates must submit an online application, supplemental questionnaire, and DMV driving record (K4) at A print-out of your DMV driving record, dated within the last 30 days, must be submitted with your application.
California DMV K4 driving records can be obtained by visiting: .
Driving records will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis within the guidelines listed below:

• NO more than one (1) moving violation.
• NO administrative suspension or revocation of driver's license for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• NO traffic accidents reported on the DMV K-4 printout. If a traffic accident reported on your DMV K-4 printout was not your fault, you must attach acceptable proof to your application to be given further consideration.Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis, but will be reviewed every Monday. Only those applicants whose experience best meet the needs of the City and Department will be invited to the examination process. The examination will consist of an oral interview.

For Questions about testing or the position, email
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a training program for individuals who have NO previous experience in operating commercial passenger vehicles. If you possess a Class A or B license AND have experience operating a commercial passenger vehicle, please submit an application or a job interest cardfor the position of Relief Bus Operator.
SPECIAL NOTES
Applicants may test for this position only once every 6 months.
Applicants with disabilities who require special testing arrangements must contact Human Resources prior to the exam date.
As a condition of employment, applicants will be required to pass a pre-employment medical examination, a DOT drug and alcohol test, and a background investigation. The background check will include the requirement for a signed release of information to obtain DOT regulated drug and alcohol testing records from previous employers to be provided to the City of Torrance in accordance with DOT Regulation 49 CFR Part 40, Section 40.25.
In accordance with the Memorandum of Understanding between TME-AFSCME Local 1117 and the City of Torrance, new employees are covered under that memorandum and required to become members in good standing or pay the required service fee to said Local 1117.
Upon completing the apprenticeship program, you will have knowledge and skills to become a Relief Bus Operator (Part-time up to 35 hours/week) $25.81 - $27.11 per hour plus pension benefits.There are also promotional opportunities, such as Full-time Bus Operator $29.34 - $35.68 per hour plus full benefits.
The provisions of this announcement do not constitute an expressed or implied contract and any provisions contained in this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice.
City of Torrance Inclusion Statement
The City of Torrance is a welcoming and culturally-rich community. As a pillar of public service, we strive to be an employer of choice by attracting and retaining a talented workforce where people of diverse backgrounds, cultures, religions, and lifestyles are valued. Our mission is to create an inclusive environment where our staff are empowered to perform at their highest level and contribute towards making a positive impact.
The City is an equal opportunity employer and works towards building collaborative teams from all walks of life without regard to race, color, ethnicity, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected under federal, state and/or local law. Come join us to help cultivate a workplace that welcomes and celebrates the diversity of our employees!
The City of Torrance offers a range of benefit programs for employees and their eligible dependents. Benefits may include health, dental, vision, and life insurance, as well as a variety of voluntary benefits. Programs and benefits amounts vary and are based on bargaining unit, family size, hire date, plan selection, and number of hours worked.
To view the current benefits for Torrance Municipal Employees (AFSCME Local 1117) bargaining unit, visit:
For additional information about the City's benefits, visit:
RETIREMENT BENEFITS - The City contracts with the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) to provide retirement benefits. Retirement formula is based on appointment date and membership status with CalPERS.
01
Your answers to the following supplemental questions will be used to determine if you qualify for the position of Apprentice Relief Bus Operator/Trainee. Resumes may be submitted but will NOT be used in place of the application or answers to the supplemental questions. Please read each question carefully and provide a thorough and complete response. Do NOT state "see resume" or "see application" to answer any of the following questions. If you fail to respond to all of the supplemental questions, your application will be considered incomplete and may not be considered for further processing. Do you understand Question #1?

• Yes
• No

02
I UNDERSTAND that I am required to describe IN DETAIL my experience that qualifies me for the position in the Work Experience Section of my application. In addition to including my qualifying experience, I UNDERSTAND that I should list ALL JOBS, regardless of duration, including part-time jobs, military service and any volunteer experience during my entire work history.I UNDERSTAND that when providing my work history, ALL DATES should be UPDATED, starting with my most recent job.I UNDERSTAND that answers that I provide to the supplemental questions should show how I am qualified in the Work Experience Section of my application.I UNDERSTAND that if I am currently an employee of the City of Torrance, I MUST provide my position/job title and provide a description of my duties in the Work Experience Section of my application.Please verify that you have read these statements and fully and completely understand them.

• Yes
• No

03
Do you have experience operating a commercial passenger vehicle that would require a Class A or B license with passenger endorsement?

• None
• I possess a Class A or B Permit.
• I possess a Class A or B license and have experience operating a commercial passenger vehicle. (If you check this box, you do not qualify for this position and will need to apply for the Relief Bus Operator position).

04
How many months of paid work experience do you have in customer service or public contact?

• None
• Less than 6 months
• More than 6 months, but less than 1 year
• More than 1 year, but less than 3 years
• More than 3 years

05
Give a brief description of your customer service or public contact experience.
06
Give a short answer of what providing "good customer service" means to you.
07
Have you been licensed to drive for a minimum of 2 years in the State of California?

• Yes
• No

08
Do you possess a Class C license?

• Yes
• No

09
If yes, provide your Driver's license date of expiration.
10
I understand that I am required to submit my driving record (DMV K4 Report), dated within the last thirty (30) days, as an attachment to this application. I understand that if I do not attach a K4, my application will be disqualified.

• Yes
• No

11
How many points do you have on your driving record (DMV K4 report) in the last three (3) years?

• 0 point
• 1 point
• 2 points
• 3 or more points

12
Are you available to work various shifts Sunday through Saturday from 4 a.m. to midnight.

• Yes
• No

13
Have you tested for this position in the last 6 months?

• Yes
• No

14
I certify that the information I have provided is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I understand that this information is subject to verification with my former employers, and that misrepresentation may cause me to forfeit all opportunities to be considered for employment with the City of Torrance.

• Yes
• No

Required Question