Title
Public Works Apprenticeship Programs Update
Description
This report provides information to the Transportation, Infrastructure, and Planning (TIP) Subcommittee about the Public Works Department’s Electrical, Building Equipment Operator (BEO), Solid Waste Equipment Operator (SWEO), and Fleet technician Apprenticeship Programs.
THIS ITEM IS FOR INFORMATION AND DISCUSSION.
Report
Summary
Attracting and retaining qualified individuals for Electrician, BEO, SWEO, and Fleet technician (Equipment Service Worker II) classifications has been a challenge for the Public Works Department. Maintaining staffing levels for these positions is essential due to the critical role they play in providing services to customers citywide. Through years of experience with apprenticeship programs, the Public Works Department has come to recognize the incredible value these programs have ensuring a workforce dedicated to the values of public service and well skilled to become leaders in their respective trades.
The Electrical apprenticeship program allows the City the opportunity to hire electrical apprentices for the Public Works, Aviation, and Water Services departments to learn the necessary skills required of an Electrician. The Public Works Department expanded from two to four Electrical apprentices this year with approval of City Council. The Electrical apprenticeship program provides 8,000 hours of on-the-job training on City equipment and in the classroom. To date, the Public Works Department has had over a hundred graduates from the program since its inception in the 1950s. The BEO apprenticeship is a new four-year program that currently includes two apprentices. The apprentices attend four hours of classroom training twice per week in addition to the on-the-job training provided by a foreman. Upon completion of the four year apprenticeship program, the apprentices will be considered journey-level and capable of independently servicing all City Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
The SWEO apprenticeship is a 2,000 hour program designed to train future SWEOs in the safe and efficient principles of solid waste collection. Since the City’s launch of its inaugural class in March 2017, the Public Works Department has successfully held five SWEO apprenticeship classes with a total of 22 graduates. This program was recently expanded. Currently, there is a class of 10 enrolled in the SWEO Apprenticeship.
The Public Works Department recently received approval to kick off its first-ever Fleet technician Apprenticeship Program beginning with two apprentice Equipment Service Worker II positions. The Fleet technician apprenticeship is a two-year program with the apprentices serving as trainees under current senior journey-level Fleet technicians. Components of the program will include classroom, shop environment, and safety training.
The apprenticeship programs provide principles of safe work practices, excellent customer service, and efficient procedures with the ultimate goal of preparing the apprentices for future placement in permanent and higher level (journey level) positions.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Mario Paniagua and the Public Works Department.