The Street Maintenance Technology Program was designed to provide the necessary technical knowledge and skill to Bureau of Street Services employees who wish to advance to Supervisor and Superintendent levels. However, the courses are open to other City of Los Angeles employees as well outside city agencies and local residents seeking knowledge for a possible career in Public Works not only with our Bureau but with any government agency. The program is an upward mobility opportunity that offers a thorough knowledge of paving, resurfacing and repairing of Los Angeles’ city streets and roadways.
The Program actually began in the early 1970’s and was closed down in the early 1980’s due to declining interest. The program was reinstituted in its current form in 1991. This Program offers specialized courses that allow our employees to either focus on a specific area that will enhance their job skills such as Heavy Equipment or Report Writing or pursue a Certificate or Associates Degree in the Program. From 1991 through the present, this program has boasted over 800 students registered in at least one course. Of that total, approximately 100 men and women have received a Certificate of Completion or Associate’s Degree.
Included in the course offerings are knowledge and skill development in math and algebra for estimating materials used to build new roadways as well as to create budgets that include requests for equipment, materials, supplies, and personnel for Street Maintenance projects. Also offered is the opportunity to learn the various related legal codes and the standard specifications for public works construction which include interfacing with the various utility agencies that impact on all Street Services programs. It is the Bureau’s belief that informed and skilled supervisors and superintendents are better able to lead and guide crew members in completing the goals of the Bureau and to perfecting the field work of the Bureau. Moreover, this program provides close direction and specific instruction that enhance employment opportunities for advancement and ensure efficiency and productivity.
This program has seen an overflow of interest since 1999 after employees watched Program graduates rise to Superintendent and Director levels. At one time students could simply show up for class on the first day and register, however, this influx of interest has made pre-registration mandatory.
Our program offers a college-credited Certificate of Completion and Associate degree with the cooperation and support of the Los Angeles Community College District at the Los Angeles Trade Technical College. In 1993, Trade Tech instituted this program into its Construction Technology Department as a valid program of study.
Certificate completion requires ten technical courses. The Associate degree in Street Maintenance Technology requires additional academic and construction technology courses prescribed by the College. Information on the Associate degree requirement is available at the College. For more information, contact the Program Coordinator at (213) 847-3025.