Title
Apprenticeship Agreements with State of Arizona
Description
Request approval for the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into apprenticeship agreements with the State of Arizona for the Gardener Apprenticeship Program, Solid Waste Equipment Operator (SWEO) Apprenticeship Program, and the Street Maintenance Worker Apprenticeship Program. Further request authorization for the City Manager to create a full-time, regular Apprenticeship Programs Coordinator position (Administrative Assistant II) to oversee and coordinate the apprenticeship programs (Job Code 06040, Grade 035).
Report
Summary
Attracting and retaining qualified individuals for the Gardener, SWEO, and Street Maintenance Worker classifications has been a challenge for the Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and Street Transportation departments.
During the 2016 labor negotiations, the City and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 777 worked collaboratively to establish a pilot apprenticeship program for the SWEO classification for the City Council-approved, three-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). During the past two years of the pilot programs, several apprentices have successfully completed the program and learned the principles of safe work practices, excellent customer service, and efficient procedures.
During the 2019 labor negotiations, the City and Laborers’ International Union of North America (LIUNA) Local 777 created the addition of the Street Maintenance Worker Apprenticeship Program. As specified in 2019-2021 LIUNA, Local 777, Unit I MOU, each official apprenticeship program will be designed to produce highly qualified and well-trained workers who have solid knowledge, as well as specific technical job skills, for occupations in the skills trades and crafts of each classification listed above. Those who have successfully completed the program will be awarded a Certificate of Completion of Apprenticeship.
The Apprenticeship Programs Coordinator position will be responsible for working collaboratively with departments, apprenticeship committees, and LIUNA to ensure the programs’ success. These duties include serving as the three committees’ secretary, coordinating recruitment efforts, and maintaining detailed reports as required by the State apprenticeship regulations.
Financial Impact
The estimated annual salary for the Apprenticeship Programs Coordinator position is $108,588. The apprenticeship programs will be jointly funded by the Parks and Recreation, Public Works, and Street Transportation departments.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The Transportation, Infrastructure and Innovation Subcommittee unanimously approved this item on Sept. 4, 2019.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Acting Deputy City Manager Toni Maccarone and the Human Resources Department.