TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to execute a contract with the Long Beach Community College District in the amount of $165,000 to provide construction trades training for the period of January 22, 2007 through November 14, 2007, and any subsequent extensions for the Construction Apprenticeship Pathways Program. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
The Workforce Development Bureau collaborated with the Long Beach Community College District (College) to obtain a grant from the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) for one-year funding in the amount of $388,300 to continue the Construction Apprenticeship Pathways Program (Program). That grant runs through November 14, 2007. The Program was jointly developed with the College to expose and prepare residents for careers in the building trades, and to connect participants with union apprenticeship programs and other construction-related employment.
Through the Program, the College provides a 10-week hands-on, construction trades outdoor training at the Long Beach City College Pacific Coast Campus, which features weekly interaction with representatives of union apprenticeship training programs, providing overviews of their individual trades and entry requirements. Infused in the curriculum are basic math skills development, and weekly group session activities that emphasize work ethics, employer expectations and related areas critical to participants' success in gaining and retaining employment or apprenticeships. Trainees also receive certification in Refinery Safety Overview (RSO), hazardous waste emergency response training and CPR/first aid training.
Similar Program activities funded between May 2005 and January 2007, through a separate grant, resulted in placement of more than 150 residents into employment and union apprenticeship programs. The contracting process for the new Program has been delayed pending program negotiations and confirmation that program and staffing infrastructure continue to exist at the College campus. An interim purchase order for
$54,000 was created for the period of January through April in order to cover initial training costs; that Agreement will be folded into the requested contract amount.
This letter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Gary J. Anderson on April 18, 2007 and Budget and Performance Management Bureau Manager David Wodynski on May 2,2007.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 15, 2007 to allow sufficient time to process required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
Federal Highways Administration Grant funds will be used to support this effort. Sufficient funds are currently budgeted in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Community Development (CD). There is no impact on the General Fund.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
PATRICK H. WEST
DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
|
APPROVED: |
|
|
|
|
|
GERALD R. MILLER |
|
CITY MANAGER |