Title
Intergovernmental Agreement to work with the National League of Cities on the Apprenticeship for Cities Grant Proposal (Ordinance S-50882)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) with the National League of Cities (NLC) to work on the Apprenticeship for Cities Grant Proposal under Apprenticeship Building America Round 2 funding opportunity, if awarded. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept, and the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item.
Report
Summary
The Department of Labor announced the availability of $95 million in grants to expand registered apprenticeship, including a focus on public sector apprenticeships. National League of Cities (NLC), in partnership with the American Institutes for Research (AIR), submitted a proposal with a focus on building apprenticeship programs to fill in-demand occupations within municipalities through a new initiative: Apprenticeships for Cities, and asked the City of Phoenix to partner in this initiative and serve a trailblazer city.
The City of Phoenix aligns with the purpose of this initiative and understands the importance of establishing equitable, quality pathways and partnerships aimed at increasing availability of and enrollment in municipal apprenticeships. The City currently has eight Registered Apprenticeship programs from Procurement Officer, Electricians, to Street Maintenance Workers. The City has grown the number of offerings and has seen tremendous success with individuals participating in these programs.
The City is interested in engaging with the Apprenticeship for Cities initiative, aiming to collaborate with fellow municipalities to expand and enhance opportunities for our workforce. Through strategic partnerships, we endeavor to establish tailored community college programs that precisely address the evolving needs of our local workforce, fostering growth and prosperity within our community.
Through this initiative, the City of Phoenix will address various skill gaps that drive labor shortages by supporting scalable and sustainable Registered Apprenticeship programs in the public sector. In this initiative, the City commits to launch and continue to expand the Registered Apprenticeship program in the occupation(s) of Electrician, Procurement Officer, Fleet Technician/Equipment Services Worker, Gardener, HVAC, Instrumentation and Controls Specialist, Solid Waste Equipment Operator, Street Maintenance Worker apprentices by hiring an estimated 20 apprentices by April 2028.
As a trailblazer city, Phoenix will receive intensive technical assistance to accelerate the ability to launch Registered Apprenticeship Programs, through a combination of site visits, group learning sessions, one-on-one coaching, and peer engagement.
Financial Impact
There is no financial impact for this agreement.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays and the Human Resources Department.