Six employees in the City of Atlantic City Department of Public Works recently received their certificates for taking part in a twelve-month Electricians Apprenticeship Program. The program, which is approved by the State and Federal government, was taught by the City’s former Director of Public Works, Paul Jerkins, a licensed master electrician.
The program is designed to teach the City workers basic electricity understanding, installation and wiring methods, retrofitting lighting, traffic signaling and repairs, how to properly bend pipes and run cables, and troubleshooting skills. The six workers in the course received hands-on training at the Public Works Yard. Each had access to individual training booths that replicate an actual wall, electrical panels, disconnects on walls and meter assembly.
Teaching these workers these new skills ultimately saves the Atlantic City taxpayers money, as the City no longer has to hire contractors for every electrical project. That work that can now be done in house. To date, the workers involved in this program replaced lighting poles throughout Atlantic City, fixed and retrofitted Bader Field and Skate Zone lighting, and discovered the source of ongoing issues at Kennedy Plaza, then fixed the lighting there.
“Our model makes sure trainees will be a benefit to the Public Works Department, benefit to the City of Atlantic City and benefit to themselves,” said Jerkins. “We want to make sure these workers are trained to tackle any task with confidence. They’re learning here, they’re working here, they’re getting hands on knowledge and experience here. They’re getting to do things here and now that individuals who have been in the trade for five years aren’t doing yet. Everything they learn during this program, they go out and do it in the field.”
Lateffe Wright, a City Public Works employee and one of the six participants, has officially moved over to an electrician position as a result of this program.
