SFPUC backs Gleneagles job-training academy aimed at local hiring and environmental stewardship

The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission voted to support development of a job-training academy at Gleneagles Golf Course, a proposal staff framed as a public–private partnership intended to create a local pipeline into apprenticeships and private-sector jobs.

Michael O'Carlin, Deputy General Manager, described the item as an early-stage resolution to continue planning with other city departments, labor and community partners. He said the academy would offer pre-apprenticeship training and help place participants into unionized public and private construction and maintenance work.

Speakers from labor and community organizations voiced strong support. Shamone Walton, Executive Director of Young Community Developers, said the training and internship opportunities "lead to wage, living wage jobs," and described prior internship successes that led students into engineering and architecture programs. Jesus Villalobos, Laborers Local 261 field representative, told commissioners the program would provide hands-on training and a pathway to long-term careers. Eric Brooks (San Francisco Green Party) urged linking the academy to Clean Power SF buildout and maximizing local union jobs for energy-efficiency and behind-the-meter work.

Commissioners asked about environmental and water-conservation elements; staff said turf-management, integrated pest management and water-conservation practices are among potential program topics and that the resolution will be refined as the proposal develops. The commission approved the resolution with public support and asked staff to return with implementation details as the program is developed.