of Purchasing for the Town of Hempstead, New York, a collaboration with Nassau Community College exemplifies the practical approach to training. “We’ve partnered with several trade unions, the local community college and the NAACP,” says Longobardi. “We’re actually building a new school at the college. We got $5 million out of the state, and that school is going to do everything from basic welding, basic mechanics, right up to wind power.” APWA also recognizes the importance of adapting to different generational preferences and motivations. “It has to do with understanding generations and the generational workforce,” Longobardi notes. “The young kids coming out of school today, what motivates them and what makes them want to do certain things, and how do we adapt our program so that we can reach them and make them want to have careers in public works?” This multi-faceted approach includes the development of targeted programs like the Emerging Leaders Academy and various mentoring initiatives.The organization also partners with other 24 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 06, ISSUE 02
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