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Home My WebLink AboutRES2025-109 Apprentice Lineman PositionSponsored by: Sorensen CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-109 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO ADD THE POSITION OF APPRENTICE LINEMAN IN THE ELECTRIC DEPARTMENT AND ENROLL THAT POSITION IN THE ALASKA JOINT ELECTRICAL APPRENTICESHIP & TRAINING TRUST PROGRAM WHEREAS, the City of Seward Electric Department has maintained a vacant Journeyman Lineman position for twenty-eight months despite extensive recruitment efforts; and WHEREAS, the Electric Department has identified the need to develop local workforce capacity by creating an entry-level pathway for Seward residents to gain the skills and certifications necessary to serve as a Journeyman Lineman; and WHEREAS, the proposed Apprentice Lineman position will allow the City to hire a qualified local individual who will enroll in the Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship & Training Trust (AJEATT) program, an 8,000-hour on-the-job training and classroom education program designed to produce certified Journeyman Linemen; and WHEREAS, the Apprentice Lineman will complete portions of the required training within Seward, focusing on tasks that can be safely and effectively performed within the City's electric system, and will temporarily join outside construction crews and other utilities to complete advanced requirements such as energized line work, tower climbing, and related high -voltage training; and WHEREAS, upon completion of the 8,000-hour apprenticeship and all AJEATT training requirements, the Apprentice will obtain Journeyman Lineman certification and be qualified to continue their career with the City of Seward Electric Department; and WHEREAS, this initiative supports the City's goal of workforce development, local employment, and long-term retention of skilled tradespeople within the community. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA, that: Section 1. The City Council hereby authorizes the addition of one full-time Apprentice Lineman position within the Electric Department. Section 2. The City Manager is authorized to post, interview, and hire a qualified candidate, and to enroll the successful applicant in the Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship & Training Trust program. CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA RESOLUTION 2025-109 Page 2 of 2 Section 3. Funding for this position shall be included within the Electric Department's operating budget, and no additional appropriation is required at this time. Section 4. This resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption. PASSED AND APPROVED by the City Council of the City of Seward, Alaska this 17th day of November 2025. AYES: NOES: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: THE CITY OF SEWARD, ALASKA S feco.LL....-- Sue McClure, Mayor Barnwell, Crites, Osenga, Calhoon, Draper, McClure None Warner None ATTEST: 7.________ Kris Peck City Clerk (City Seal) .•`•'OF SEW", :_ •t 0 SEAL • • '. -+" • p. 4" ,' OF 11,110- AP.••• 1 1 1 City Council Agenda Statement Meeting Date: November 17, 2025 To: City Council Through: Kat Sorensen, City Manager From: Taylor Crocker, Electric Operations Supervisor Subject: Resolution 2025-109: Authorizing the City Manager to Add the Position of Apprentice Lineman in the Electric Department and Enroll that Position in the Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship & Training Trust Program Background and justification: The Electric Department has maintained an open Journeyman Lineman position for over twenty- eight months, despite multiple recruitment attempts. This continued vacancy has placed increased strain on existing staff and limits the department's ability to respond to outages, complete new service installations, and maintain critical infrastructure. The department proposes establishing an Apprentice Lineman position to create a pathway for local residents to enter the electrical line trade and advance to a Journeyman level through the Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship & Training Trust (AJEATT). The AJEATT program is a State - certified, 8,000-hour apprenticeship that combines classroom education and supervised on-the-job training. The apprentice will be employed by the City of Seward and will perform tasks locally under supervision for portions of the apprenticeship. For advanced training requirements, such as energized line work, tower climbing, and high -voltage construction, the apprentice will temporarily join construction crews in other jurisdictions for six-month rotations. Upon completion of the program, the apprentice will obtain Journeyman Lineman certification and be eligible for full-time employment as a certified Lineman within the City of Seward. This initiative provides a long-term solution to workforce shortages by investing in local talent development, enhancing community employment opportunities, and building a self-sustaining pipeline of skilled electrical workers for future operations. Comprehensive and Strategic Plan Consistency Information This legislation is consistent with (citation listed): Comprehensive Plan: Strategic Plan: Other: Total amount of funds listed in this legislation: This legislation (✓): Creates revenue in the amount of: Creates expenditure in amount of: Creates a savings in the amount of: Has no fiscal impact x Funds are (✓): Budgeted Line item(s): Not budgeted Not applicable x Affected Fund (✓): General Boat Harbor Motor Pool Available Fund Balance SMIC Parking Other x Electric Water $ Wastewater Healthcare Note: amounts are unaudited Finance Director Signature: 541. x Yes Attorney Signature: Not applicable Comments: Attorney Review Administration Recommendation x Adopt Resolution Other: