In an effort to help local novices get a foot in the door, the City of Knoxville’s Fleet Services Department has partnered with the Community Action Committee (CAC) and the Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) to create an apprentice program for hopeful mechanics.

Andrew Crowder, a recent graduate of Karns High School, is nearly halfway through the four-month program as the City’s first participant in the program. He’s been working 30 hours a week at the City’s Light Shop on Vice Mayor Jack Sharp Road while also attending classes in TCAT’s Automotive Technology program.

“It’s exciting to see an ambitious hard worker like Andrew jump in and make the most of this opportunity with our fleet,” said Nick Bradshaw, Deputy Director for the City of Knoxville. “It’s a great resume-builder for him, and we at the City are either prepping an excellent future employee or feeding an experienced mechanic into the local market.”

Often, aspiring mechanics face roadblocks as they begin their careers. There’s a year of classes required to obtain certifications, and new mechanics must start off with a personal tool inventory, typically an outlay of $10,000 or more. With this apprenticeship, students earn money as they learn their trade. The apprentice is also overseen by a “Mentor Mechanic,” one of the City’s experienced Fleet Services employees, who can share a wealth of knowledge from years in the field.

In addition to helping to fund the program through a grant, CAC also serves as the clearinghouse for the City’s apprentice candidates. CAC helps to ensure that the apprentice meets requirements related to the federal Workforce Investment and Opportunity Act, which was passed in 2014 to revitalize the public workforce with on-the-job training for people who typically face barriers to employment.

After completing the apprenticeship and required certifications, participants will be considered for a position in Fleet Services, helping to maintain the City’s 1,500 vehicles and pieces of equipment. If a vacant position is not readily available, participants will receive an official letter of recommendation from the City of Knoxville.

“This has been a great experience – I’ve already learned a lot, and many of the (City) staff step in to help me to make sure I am comfortable with tasks even as small as changing a battery,” said Crowder.

Crowder completes his apprenticeship in August, and the City is already working with CAC and TCAT to find the next Apprentice Mechanic. For more information on the City’s Apprentice Mechanic Program, call 311.