In collaboration with local municipalities, Grand Rapids Community College (GRCC) in Grand Rapids, Mich., will offer a new Public Works Academy to develop skills for in-demand jobs across a variety of public work disciplines, including several applicable to work in the water sector.
The course runs for seven weeks beginning April 11, 2018, and will only cost participants $25 due to a grant from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. The program also offers guaranteed interviews for open positions upon completion of the academy, including opportunities for both seasonal positions and internships.
Julie Parks, executive director of Workforce Training at GRCC, claims the program will fill a “tremendous need” across areas in western Michigan.
“We’re responding to a tremendous need throughout our region for people with these skills,” Parks said. “We’ve collaborated with public work experts to develop a program that helps them fill the jobs that make our communities safer and improve the quality of life.”
The program will offer training applicable to a variety of positions, such as building specialist, engineering technician, equipment operator, fleet services technician, plant assistant, safety specialist, truck driver and maintenance worker. Each position could be applied to work for utilities, streets, grounds and buildings.
Individuals ages 18 and over may enroll in the program, and a high school diploma or GED is recommended for those wishing to participate. Priority is given to residents with low income, no employment or who are single parents, while gender, race and criminal background are also considered factors.
Source: GRCC Press Release
