Youth Apprentice Training Program

Youth Economic Advancement (sponsored by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation)

Pilot or new project, program, or initiative

In working Nation states a shortage of qualified and high skilled auto repair workers is on the rise and will peak around 2024, despite a demand for the career. The workforce became impacted nearly 15 years ago when high schools eliminated several trade classes from their course offerings and not so coincidentally, the USA saw an increase in the unemployment rates amongst High school graduates shortly thereafter. The government has prioritized addressing the shortage and gaps in the training and employment of mechanics; The city of LA is doing its part by creating the Equipment Mechanic Apprenticeship Program (EMAP). EMAP provides high school seniors, students enrolled in a community college, and garage attendants with in-classroom and technical training to become the next generation of skilled mechanic leaders. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicates over 73,000 jobs are currently available for mechanics and technicians creating job stability for youth who enter the program.

Equipment Mechanic Apprenticeship Program (EMAP) provides high school seniors, community college students, and garage attendants with technical training and in-classroom instruction to become the next generation of mechanics. The program is a career pathway for underrepresented youth to become an Equipment Mechanic, have a successful career with the City of LA and address youth economic advancement through income equity and quality job attainment. Youth Apprentice (YA) in the EMAP complete the 24-month training while receiving an hourly wage. The YA is engaged in technical training where they apply information they learn to the real world as they expand their knowledge with a mentor in on-the-job training. YA's are enrolled in an automotive and related technology in-classroom certification program that enhances soft skills to prepare youth for leadership roles in the future. Two key collaborative partners for EMAP are LAUSD and LA Trade Tech. LAUSD has noted the issue with black student underachievement and has implemented the BSAP task force to find creative and innovative strategies and methods for engaging black students that are directly responsive to the historic and ongoing social and economic conditions experienced. LAUSD, LA Trade Tech and the city of LA are committed to a partnership that addresses academic achievement and economic equity. LAUSD and LA trade tech will conduct strategic outreach and recruit.

The EMAP 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 which helps keep the city safe, clean and thriving. Five (5) Youth Apprentice in this program will be key instruments of change and hope for the city. The youth will receive the educational training and technical training necessary to advance in a stable career with ample career advancement opportunities with no cost to them. The Youth Apprentice's will receive regular full-time employment and fill vacant positions. Creating economic equity in underserved areas of Los Angeles directly alleviating financial stressors on marginalized communities

The impact of this program is measured by the individual completing the 24-month by Automotive and Related Technology Certification Program, passing monthly evaluations and final evaluation at the end of the program. Program indicators of success include: 1. Outreach and recruitment is conducted at low-income High schools who have automotive pathways 2. Outreach and recruitment is conducted at least at 1 community college 3. Outreach and recruitment conducted at City of LA garages 4. 5 youth enroll in the program by 2024 5. 80% of youth complete the program by 2026 The City of Los Angeles already has 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 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.

LAUSD is the largest public school system in California; Students are 10.5% White, 7.6% Black, 5.9% Asian/Pacific Islander, 73.6% Latino, 0.1% American Indian/Alaska Native, and 0.2% Pacific Islander. St are 48% female, 52% male, 59.9% receive free and reduced meals, indicating low-income status, and 28% of students are ESL. LAUSD is skilled at engaging with multicultural and marginalized populations. LA Trade-Tech (LATTC) is a public college in LA with 3,187 students. LATTC has innovative learning facilities and has a 96% job placement rate. The partnerships are a perfect trifecta, LAUSD provides quality education preparing students for post-secondary education, LATTC is providing certification and training and the city of LA is providing mentorship, training, and economic equity.