PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Tuesday, July 10, 2012 

PRESS CONTACT: 415-554-6926

PUBLIC WORKS LAUNCHES JOB PROGRAM TO CARVE OUT CAREER PATHS FOR PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS 

Building On The Successful Apprentice Program, Public Works, the Housing Authority and Local 261 Partner to Employ and Train Residents

San Francisco, CA – Six new hires started as a part of the jointly coordinated Pre-Apprentice Program between the Department of Public Works (DPW) and the San Francisco Housing Authority (SFHA), where San Francisco job-seekers living in SFHA residences are given the opportunity to earn valuable on-the-job training for future careers as state certified laborers.

DPW and the SFHA have added new opportunities to the already established, successful Laborer and Gardener Apprentice Programs. The six trainees will work on beautification and neighborhood maintenance issues while making their first steps toward a career path.

“Public Works is focusing on being a leader in the creation of jobs for our residents in San Francisco,” said Mohammed Nuru, Director of the Department of Public Works. “In collaboration with City departments and Local 261, this Pre-Apprentice Program is putting people to work, providing career training opportunities and keeping our communities clean and beautiful.”

The program was created in partnership with the Laborers Local 261 to provide job training and placement to San Francisco residents, while providing them with the skills and experience to enter the workforce in both the public and private sectors.

This program syncs with Mayor Lee’s 17 point jobs plan by calling for hiring San Franciscans, and also building up the local workforce by investing in infrastructure jobs that need laborer assistance in the near future.

This newest program kicked off on July 5th and workers will help clean and green areas in and around six targeted SFHA sites: Alice Griffith, Hunters View, Hunter’s Point, Westbrook, Potrero Terrace and Annex, and at Sunnydale Public Development.

“Along with promoting community revitalization and providing opportunities for employment to residents in their own neighborhood, this Pre-Apprentice Program bridges entry level jobs to sustainable careers. It also helps these trainees hone in on life skills while fostering a sense of pride in their community,” said Henry Alvarez, Executive Director of the San Francisco Housing Authority.

Trainees learn about essential DPW administrative and labor-type functions like basic record keeping, providing information on service to the public, and assisting maintenance workers. Pre-Apprentices also participate in important training classes to learn about health and safety practices; communication skills; graffiti removal; maintenance and landscaping techniques; equipment and radio use and proper protocol and procedures.

Upon completion of the probationary period, the Pre-Apprentices become eligible to be hired into the California certified Laborer Apprentice Program; which provides entry-level positions to individuals transitioning into labor jobs. Upon completion of the Laborer Apprentice Program, there is opportunity to be hired as General Laborers in the public and private sectors.

DPW Laborer Apprentices participate in training programs and work hand-in-hand with DPW employees to beautify and maintain city streets, landscaped areas and public facilities in a safe, healthy, and attractive condition. Apprentices operate at a more advanced level with increased responsibilities. They learn to remove graffiti, operate power equipment, safely load and unload heavy materials, set up traffic barricades, and repair equipment.

DPW currently employs 24 Laborer Apprentices who have been vetted through the Pre-Apprentice Program and are gaining valuable skills through on-the-job training at DPW. “Everything is great, I am learning a lot of different things and this apprenticeship is perfect for me because I enjoy working and learning at the same time. I like helping with the upkeep of the City and at the same time I am helping myself and giving back to community,” said Laborer Apprentice Luis Alfaro.

“The Laborers' and Gardeners' Apprenticeship programs, with the continued commitment of current staff, allows trainees to develop skills that people need to attain and maintain sustainable and meaningful careers. We are especially proud that eighty percent of the Laborer Apprentices live in San Francisco,” said Ramon Hernandez, LiUNA! Local 261 Business Manager.

All the Pre-Apprentices are Housing Authority residents and will work a Thursday through Monday schedule.

DPW is responsible for the care and maintenance of San Francisco’s streets and much of its infrastructure. The department cleans and resurfaces streets; plants and maintains City street trees; designs, constructs and maintains city-owned facilities; inspects streets and sidewalks; constructs curb ramps; removes graffiti from public property; and partners with the diverse neighborhoods in San Francisco to provide stellar cleaning and greening services. For more information, please visit sfdpw.org.

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