At a Glance
Philadelphias Office of Fleet Management Internship and Apprenticeship Program trains and pays students to repair and maintain the citys fleet of automobiles, trucks, and other vehicles.
Overview
Starting in the summer after their sophomore year, students accepted into the program are paid while learning how to repair and maintain the citys police and fire vehicles, ambulances, highway paving equipment, and other vehicles.
Students, working after school (minimum of 10 hours, maximum of 20 hours per week) and during summers (40 hours per week) in the city garages, rotate among jobs and are trained in all aspects of the automotive industry.
Among the qualifications to remain in the program, students must maintain a C average and an attendance record of 90 percent or greater. Students who complete the program are eligible to continue in the apprentice program and/or matriculate to the Community College of Philadelphia. Up to nine SOAR (Students Occupationally and Academically Ready) college credits may be earned through the program.
The programs detailed orientation packet is provided and offers more information.
Origin / Implementation
The Office of Fleet Management Internship and Apprenticeship Program was developed a number of years ago in response to the citys trouble in finding skilled mechanics and technicians to maintain its fleet of more than 6,000 vehicles. The school district welcomed the opportunity to provide paid, work-based experiences for students in its CTE programs.
Results / Impact
Many students who completed the program have been placed in full-time jobs with Philadelphias Office of Fleet Management, thus providing the city with needed workers and students with good jobs.
Contact
School District of Philadelphia
A. Philip Randolph Career and Technical High School
Darrel Overton, Principal
doverton@philasd.org
William Soleau, Instructor
wsoleau@philasd.org