Mayor's Future Ready Academy

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Mayor's Future Ready Academy

Program Overview

Mayor's Future Ready Academy aims to connect St. Pete's young adults with employment opportunities and prepare them for long-term career success. The program provides young adults aged 18-24 with on-the-job training and complementary classroom instruction to help prepare them for vital positions within the City of St. Petersburg.

The first Academy started on January 22, 2024, and will run for 17 weeks. The Academy will be a commitment of 40 hours per week, eight hours Monday - Friday, with four hours of on-the-job training and four hours of instruction at Pinellas Technical College (PTC). Program participants, known as St. Pete Cadets will work 7-11 a.m. at St Petersburg's City Hall then 3 – 7 p.m. at PTC on Monday – Thursday. On Fridays, the Cadets will report to their assigned departments at 7 a.m. and be there until 3:30 p.m. The program will accept applicants that qualify, after review of application and interview process.

The Academy Cadets will have the opportunity to work alongside and learn from workers in many departments throughout the city. Along with employment, participants will also learn skills including professionalism, becoming a good team member, and resume development.

Cadets will rotate through 5 departments (Fleet, Parks, Sanitation, Stormwater, Pavement, Traffic Operations, and WR) for 2–3-week periods with one or 2 other cohort members. Cadets will be doing hands-on work in the field in all departments except for Fleet where they will be shadowing only.

Benefits for Academy Cadets

  • Cadets will earn $15.99/hour and are eligible for group insurance, paid leave, and rental assistance programs (The probationary period will be six months)

  • Cadets will receive certificates of completion from Pinellas Technical College for their Public Works Cadet 1 and Public Works Cadet 2 courses.

  • Eligible for City health insurance

  • Credit toward retirement benefits

  • Paid time off accruals

  • Eligible for the Employee Rental Assistance Program

Information Sessions

Information Sessions will be held at Pinellas Technical College, 901 34th St. S. by Dr. Dallas Jackson (Public Works Academy Coordinator and Instructor) and Latania Barnes, (Mayor Future Ready Academy Program Coordinator.)  Meeting topics will cover a general overview of the program, program requirements to entry and a step-by-step guide of how to apply.

Upcoming Information Sessions:

  • Tuesday, March 26, 2024 
     9- 10 a.m.
  • Wednesday, March 27, 2024
    4 - 5 p.m.
  • Tuesday, April 9, 2024
    9 - 10 a.m.
  • Wednesday, April 17, 2024
    4 - 5 p.m.

How to Apply

There is currently an active cohort for Mayor's Future Ready Academy. The next cohort will start in Fall 2024 with applications opening around May 2024. Check this site for the updates.