TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager to increase the contract between the City of Long Beach and The Bridge from $150,000 to $250,000 to provide additional high-growth training and placement opportunities with good wages and clear career paths to out-of-school youth in Long Beach. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
At the City Council meeting of September 12, 2006, the City Council authorized execution of contracts to various community and education-based organizations to provide youth development services for Long Beach youth. The Bridge was approved for a contract in the amount of $150,000 to provide education, support and training to 30 older youth in order to secure jobs in high wage/high growth utility industry positions such as Water Distribution Technician, Water Main Maintenance Operator, Gas Pipe Line Worker, Meter Reader, and Construction Laborer. Demand for trained workers in utility and ancillary industries is high, and the Bridge's similar successful program in other areas of Southern California has proven an effective vocational training path for young adults not likely to attend a four-year university.
Core training will be conducted in conjunction with the Utility Workers Apprenticeship Training Trust and the Southern California Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Program. The Bridge also includes certifications in handling hazardous materials, working in confined space, CPR and first aid, and Cal OSHA health and safety practices. To assist with job placement on this project, the Bridge has strong labor and business partnerships through the Utility Workers of America Region 5, Western States Utility Workers Industry Apprenticeship and Training Trust, Utility Worker Locals 132 and 256, Southern California Gas Company, American Water Company and the Southern California Pipe Trades Apprenticeship Program. Average hourly wages at placement for participating youth are planned between $12.50 and $14.75.
Consistent with local priorities to best prepare Long Bea...
Click here for full text