1. Priming the Public Works Pipeline
Partnerships that improve program design
NCWE, 2018

2. West Michigan - Overview
Prosperity Region 4
13 county region
Largest city – Grand Rapids
Includes cities of Muskegon, Holland, Grand Haven, Kentwood (and many others) varying in size.
Population: 1,532,851 (U.S. Census, 2012 est.)
Largest region with population growth in MI (6% increase)
3.1% unemployment rate overall, some urban neighborhood unemployment rates above 22% (August, 2018) (BLS data retrieved 9/18/18)

3. Public Works? What is public works Civil Engineering
Drinking water treatment, storage, and distribution
Forestry
Grounds maintenance, including Parks and Recreation
Street construction and maintenance
Traffic management
Snowplowing
Storm water collection, detention, and drainage
Wastewater collection and treatment
Facilities operations and maintenance
Fleet Services

4. The Need In Public Works (locally, nationally)
Public Works has been challenged in recent years to attract qualified individuals for entry level positions
Many municipal organizations are experiencing increased employee retirements creating further challenges to attract talent to the important field of Public Works
Entry level positions are general laborers, maintenance assistants, equipment operators, tree trimmers, utility workers
These various entry level Public Works positions start at a wage level between $16-$20/per hour with good benefits i.e. health insurance, retirement, vacation

5. American Public Works Association – Michigan Chapter – Public Works Academy Team
John Gorney, City of Kentwood
James Hurt, City of Grand Rapids
James Wolford, City of Kentwood
Bart Franklin, Michigan Dept. of Transportation
Eric Scott, Muskegon County Road Commission
Larry Hummel, Van Buren County Road Commission
George Smith, Kent County Road Commission
Derek Gajdos, City of Grand Haven
Dan Sorek, Prein & Newhof
Doug Skylis, Rowe Engineering
Julie Parks, Grand Rapids Community College
John VanElst, Grand Rapids Community College
Jeff Byrd, Grand Rapids Community College
Steven Ray, Grand Rapids Community College

6. Curriculum Pre-program requirements Public Works 101 Overhead Crane
National Career Readiness Certificate – Bronze Level
Criminal Background check
Public Works 101
OSHA 10 (including right to know, lock out-tag out, confined spaces, PPE, competent person – excavation, scaffolding, equipment)
Blood born pathogens
CPR/AED
Overhead Crane
Hilo
Introduction to rigging
Computer basics (word, excel, )
Aerial platform/bucket truck
Flagger safety
General guarding (road)
Customer Service Training

7. More Curriculum Tours Employability skills in public works
Teamwork
Working with different cultures/people
Implicit bias awareness
Conflict resolutions
Workplace skills
Job Readiness skills
Resume writing
Interview practice

8. W.K. Kellogg Foundation - Foundations for the Future Project
Focused on urban core of Grand Rapids
Wanted Kellogg grantees in the city to work together to solve different issues. (City of Grand Rapids has a grant focused on neighborhood organizations).
City of Grand Rapids wanted to hire people who lived in the City.
Grant dollars to off-set first cohort

9. Recruiting Participants
Meeting with community partners (non-profits, other grantees)
Public Works partners participation
Educational Training Specialist Role
Question and Answer session
Coaching
Follow-up activities

10. What we learned. From the students/college staff:
Students wanted more time in the class.
We need to add CDL for public works (not over road truck driving).
Need to be clear about drug testing requirements
Need even more hands-on activities. First session was 60/40 (hands-on vs. class time)
From the municipalities and human resource professionals:
We can attract qualified individuals to entry level jobs in Public Works
Interviewing skill training important to the curriculum
Need more exposure/training on equipment
Expand the recruiting net to area high schools/community groups/recruiting agencies

11. Here is what’s next: Continue offering entry level/phase 1 classes
Include incumbent workers
Begin phase 2 (possibly credited classes) with focused emphasis areas including;
Utilities
Streets and drainage
Facilities
Parks and Grounds
Fleet
Expand program statewide
Phase 3 - Develop curriculum for a Public Works specific degree

12. What is the Need in your area? Questions?

13. Contact Information
Julie Parks, GRCC
Jeffrey Byrd, GRCC
John Gorney, City of Kentwood, MI
James Hurt, City of Grand Rapids, MI
Thank you