Part I: Public works academies meet

One of the pioneers in the establishment of public works academies discusses the steps to take in creating one to meet the needs of your community. Part II will discuss the many benefits that have already been seen from having a successful academy including: better trained employees, increased employee opportunities, and a ready work force for employers.

By Harry Glaze, PE
Public Works Academy Committee Chairman
Florida Chapter of the American Public Works Association

Contents
Public works covers a multitude of functions
On-the-job training no longer a satisfactory method
Florida chapter took action in late 1980s
Initially a cadet program was established
Additional post-cadet training courses also offered
Academies established in high schools
Basic program today begins with 450 classroom hours

Not every public agency in the United States has a public works department. They do however, have employees providing for the construction, maintenance and operation of the often-unseen infrastructure that contemporary America is dependent upon for day-to-day living.

Public works covers a multitude of functions
These essential parts of the public's infrastructure include the basic and necessary installations and facilities such as, roads, reliable water supply systems, adequate arrangements for solid waste disposal, environmentally-safe sewer and treatment systems, stormwater systems and management operations, traffic control systems installations and maintenance, parks and recreational facilities. No matter what these functions are called on the public agency organizational charts it is PUBLIC WORKS.

The work force that accomplishes the task of providing, maintaining and operating this infrastructure are dedicated public servants that are unseen and often under-appreciated. Their efforts go unappreciated until service is interrupted by some emergency, such as, broken water or sewer line, a signal malfunction, or other interruption. (Back to top)

On-the-job training no longer a satisfactory method
Where do these public servants learn the skills to provide for health, safety and welfare of the public and to meet their needs? To be honest we have to admit that for the most part it is an on-the-job effort. However, with the technical and the need to meet local, state and federal regulation requirements, this is no longer a satisfactory method. Our colleges and universities provide proper engineering and architectural training for those who design our public facilities. Quality management programs are offered at those same institutions for public managers. (Back to top)

Florida chapter took action in late 1980s
In the late 1980s public works officials in Florida united in their concern to address this need for training. They joined forces with the local school districts to create the first public works academy in Pinellas County.

These public works leaders set about to resolve the constant stream of questions like the following:

• Where do I learn to operate this machine?
• How do I get certification for the next level in this career field?
• Can I get additional training?
• Where is certification training being accomplished?
• Why are we sending our employees half way across the state to attend a course?
• Can we do the training here?
• Where can we find trained employees?

Their vision was having a local training organization that would answer these questions and more. It was called a Public Works Academy! (Back to top)

Initially a cadet program was established
They created a public works academy that provided a flexible resource capable of producing, motivating and training current and future employees. Initially a cadet program was established. The cadets were provided comprehensive basic public works training to prepare them for careers in public works. The cadet program included 14 weeks of training. During this period, students were instructed in orientation, CPR/First Aid, safety, customer relations, solid waste, water treatment and distribution, stormwater management, wastewater treatment and collection, reclaimed water operations, engineering survey, traffic safety, equipment maintenance, computer literacy, commercial driver's license skills, and employability skills. (Back to top)

Additional post-cadet training courses also offered
In addition to the cadet program, many post-cadet training courses were offered. These included:

• Traffic Safety in the Work Area (leading to International Municipal Signal association certification),
• Heavy Equipment Operation,
• Competent Person Training (to meet OSHA trenching requirements and certification), Chlorine Handling,
• Fundamental Skills of Managing People,
• Wastewater,
• Stormwater,
• Parks and Building and Grounds Maintenance. (Back to top)

Academies established in high schools
Since the initial academy was established, several apprenticeship programs have been established and academies have been established in the high school system.

Each academy has a board of trustees/advisors comprised of public works officials from the local public agencies and representatives from the school district. Representatives from private contracting agencies have been added as members of the board.

The administrative personnel of public works academies are employees of the public board of education system. Consequently, classes are held either at public board of education facilities or in government agency facilities. Most instructors are part-time teachers who are full-time public works professionals who are often employed by local government agencies. Therefore, tuition costs at public works academies trend to be very modest. (Back to top)

Basic program today begins with 450 classroom hours
Today the basic program starts with cadets. They complete 450 classroom hours of training. Once this basic training is complete they can receive additional training in the career field they choose or continue education in the school system. A cooperative arrangement has been made with community/junior colleges giving credits for academy work completed. Public agencies provide tuition support for continuing education in the career field chosen by the cadet.

The second installment-Part II-will cover the benefits derived from having a public works academy in your community.

For information, contact the chairman of the public works academy committee, Harry Glaze, PE, email address - harglaze@gte.net or mail 2092 Timucua Trail, Sarasota, FL 34275. (Back to top)

About the author: Currently Harry W. Glaze, PE, serves as the Florida Chapter's public works academy committee chairman. He is currently retired after almost 40 years of public service. He was the deputy director of transportation for the Sarasota County Department of Transportation and the director of transportation in Lee County, FL, after serving 26 years as a civil engineer in the United States Air Force. His last assignment in the Air Force was as the deputy chief of staff, engineering and services, Pacific Air Forces, Hickam Air Force Base, Hawaii. He has been active in the Florida Public Works Academy program for over 10 years and helped establish two academies in Florida. (Back)

Edited by Joyce Everhart
jeverhart@vertical.net