The Public Works Academy is the product of a partnership between Atlantic Technical College and the American Public Works Association - South Florida Branch. The goal of the partnership is to raise awareness of the careers available in public works, train students for entry-level employment positions and offer continuing education for career public works professionals in the future. The Academy will provide career path information for students; recruit and train students for entry-level jobs in the public works field; and guide students to achieve valuable certifications to improve employability, with the intent to build a qualified workforce. The partnership aims to grow a Public Works Academy in Broward County that will prepare students for entry-level jobs upon graduation.

Students in the Public Works Academy will learn about: orientation and safety; tools and equipment used in public works; water treatment and distribution; wastewater treatment and collections; storm water systems; equipment operations and maintenance; technical design and drafting; solid waste disposal; parks, buildings and grounds; operating a computer and using software; utility locations; traffic operations; the gas industry, and the importance of professional ethics and legal responsibilities. In addition, students will prepare for the OSHA 10-Hour certification and CPR/Basic Life Support (BLS).  

The program is a combination of classroom instruction at the Atlantic Technical College campus in Coconut Creek and job shadowing with Broward County Public Works employees. For additional information visit, www.browardtechcenters.com/.