Public Work's employee Lateffe Wright now has an electrician position in the department due to the program.
Six of Atlantic City's Public Works employees completed a year-long Electricians Apprenticeship Program.
The workers received hands-on training in the Public Works Yard, with access to training booths that replicate an actual wall, electrical panels, disconnects on walls and meter assembly.
“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 Paul Jerkins, the former director of Public Works who taught the program.
“We want to make sure these workers are trained to tackle any task with confidence," continued Jerkins, who is a licensed master electrician. "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.”
Teaching them these new skills ultimately saves Atlantic City taxpayers money, as the city no longer has to hire contractors for every electrical project. The work can now be done in house.
The workers replaced lighting poles throughout the 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.
Public Works employee India Witherspoon was one of the six participants.
