CREATEEquipment Mechanic Apprenticeship Program - City of Los Angeles
This apprenticeship program will develop individuals with high school diplomas in the automotive repair field. This is a 24-month program. Individuals selected will start at an entry level position earning an hourly wage while enrolling and completing an Automotive and Related Technology Certification Program. There will be hands on training during the day. Completion of the Apprenticeship Program serves as the examination for Equipment Mechanic position and the apprentice will be placed on the eligible list for Equipment Mechanic position.
Please list the organizations collaborating on this proposal.
LA Unified School District LA Trade Tech
What is the primary issue area that your application will impact?
Access to Creative Industry Employment (sponsored by Snap Foundation)
In which areas of Los Angeles will you be directly working?
Central LA
East LA
San Fernando Valley
South LA
West LA
City of Los Angeles
In what stage of innovation is this project, program, or initiative?
Pilot or new project, program, or initiative
What is your understanding of the issue that you are seeking to address?
This program will reach out to young adults interested in the automotive repair industry and will assist in guiding these individuals to the receive the proper schooling and training to become a qualified equipment mechanic. This will provide the individuals with a foundation for career advancement.
Describe the project, program, or initiative this grant will support to address the issue.
This apprenticeship program will the support issue area of Access to Creative Industry Employment. The program will provide the appropriate pathway for underrepresented youth to become an Equipment Mechanic and have a successful career with the City of Los Angeles. This program also fit into the Youth Economic Advancement issue area as it will work with young adults to decrease income inequality, find quality jobs, or advance within careers.
Describe how Los Angeles County will be different if your work is successful.
This program will assist the City of Los Angeles, GSD (General Services Department) fill vacant Equipment Mechanic positions lost to retirement and transfers/promotions to other City Departments. GSD Fleet Services provides equipment maintenance support for various City programs that provide public health and safety for the citizens of Los Angeles. These programs include trash pickup, street sweeping, street maintenance and park/golf maintenance.
What evidence do you have that this project, program, or initiative is or will be successful, and how will you define and measure success?
The impact of this program is measured by the individual completing the 24-month program by completing an Automotive and Related Technology Certification Program and passing monthly evaluations and final evaluation at the end of the program. The City of Los Angeles already have a few very successful participants with a similar craft trainee program started in the 1980s. Jung Ho, who started in this craft trainee program in 1987, is now acting Director of Fleet Services. Guy Patenaude, who also started in this program, has promoted to Equipment Superintendent for LAFD. This program also was the first to hire a female craft trainee, who became an Equipment Mechanic.
Approximately how many people will be impacted by this project, program, or initiative?
Direct Impact: 2
Indirect Impact: 50