REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
October 24, 2019
FROM: GREGORY A. BARFIELD, Director
Department of Transportation
BY: BRIAN BARR, Assistant Director
Department of Transportation
DUANE MYERS, Fleet Manager
Department of Transportation/Municipal Fleet Division
SUBJECT
Title
***Approve a Work-Based Learning Internship Training Agreement with the Fresno Unified School District to permit the Department of Transportation Municipal Fleet Division to be eligible as a work-based location for a student internship program (Subject to Mayor’s veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends Council approve a Work-Based Learning Internship Training Agreement with the Fresno Unified School District (FUSD) to permit the Department of Transportation (DOT) Municipal Fleet Division to be a work-based program location for a student internship program, and authorize the Director of Transportation or designee to execute the agreement.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The DOT, Municipal Fleet Division is interested in partnering with the FUSD Work-Based Learning Program. This is an internship program that allows eligible students the opportunity to gain real-world experience in their field of study. This partnership will afford student interns the opportunity to work alongside DOT mechanics and technicians, on a limited basis, servicing the City’s fleet vehicles and equipment at the Municipal Service Center through May 31, 2021.
BACKGROUND
The Municipal Fleet Division is responsible for purchasing and maintaining approximately 1,350 vehicles owned and operated by City departments. These include light, heavy, and construction equipment. The Municipal Fleet Division is interested in partnering with educational programs to share fleet maintenance practices with interested students.
The non-paid internship program benefits students by providing hands-on experience in field of vehicle and equipment maintenance. The majority of students have not held a job prior to this training; therefore, they will experience actual clock-in, and work at a work-based learning location that will open their eyes to vocational career fields and industry expectations. By partnering with FUSD, these students learn vocational skills that are sought by the City and many companies in the community and generally in short supply. Students are genuinely excited and motivated to learn the content as they experience first-hand the importance of learning these skills. By providing these opportunities, the City will help students become better prepared for higher education, vocational schools, trade schools, or the workforce.
This program will allow the City to train the future workforce to its specific needs and expectations. In essence, this work program allows the City the opportunity for a 3-4 month long hands-on interview with potential future employees. Aside from the benefits to the students, the City also receives positive feedback from the surrounding community.
The Agreement is valid through May 31, 2021, and has been approved by the City Attorney’s Office as to form.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDING
By the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act Guidelines Section 15378, the award of this contract does not qualify as a “project.”
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT
No general funds will be used.
Attachment:
Agreement with FUSD