Commission commends Laborers Local 261 gardeners apprenticeship after first graduating class

The San Francisco Commission on the Environment voted to approve a resolution commending Laborers Local 261’s Gardeners Apprenticeship Program after commissioners heard a presentation describing the program’s first graduating class and local hiring outcomes.

President Joshua Arce introduced the resolution, which notes that the State Division of Apprenticeship Standards certified the program and that it combines hands-on training in city parks with classroom instruction in horticulture in partnership with City College of San Francisco. The resolution highlights that the program targets recruitment from low-income communities, communities of color and limited-English speakers and aims to produce a local workforce with a sustainable living wage.

Vince Courtney, representing Laborers Local 261, said the program had strong union and city partnerships and emphasized opportunities for women in the trade. "This is the first of its kind," Courtney said, adding that the program was developed with city departments to create career pathways and that many graduates move into full-time city employment.

Commissioners discussed outreach and how to help graduates find positions in city departments; staff and commissioners suggested potential linkages with the Department of the Environment’s Environment Now program. Commissioner Stevenson asked for graduation counts; program staff said the initial class started with 10 people and graduated eight from that cohort, with a total of 13 graduates to date and 16 apprentices currently at Recreation and Park and approximately six at Public Works.

A motion to approve the commendation was seconded and passed on a voice vote. President Arce announced that Mayor Ed Lee had declared the day "Gardener's Apprenticeship Program Day" for the City and County of San Francisco. Commissioners paused for a photo with program representatives.

No amendments to the resolution were made at the meeting.