Press Release
By Nassau County Board of County Commissioners
08-01-24
Nassau County, Florida, August 1, 2024 – The Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) is
pleased to announce that Nassau County has been selected for NACo’s Personnel
Management, Employment and Training Award for its Nassau County Equipment Operator
Apprenticeship Program. Since 1970, the National Association of Counties (NACo) has
recognized outstanding government programs and services. Each year, NACo seeks
nominations on a variety of categories that cover a vast range of county responsibilities.
This Nassau County Operator Apprenticeship Program was created in 2021 in an effort to
recruit and retain high caliber employees in a competitive job market. The program was
designed to provide Road Department employees with a clear, defined career path upon
beginning their employment, and to provide an avenue to increase their skillset through
training. A three-year Equipment Operator Apprenticeship Program was developed to train
the employees on the safe and efficient operation of small equipment, heavy trucks and heavy equipment. Their first step in the program is obtaining a Class “A” Commercial Driver’s License, followed by learning all aspects of the Road Department to become a highly valued Equipment Operator.
Since implementing the Program, the Road Department’s vacancy rate has decreased from
nearly 36% to less than 10%. Additionally, the County has added 23 Class A CDL holders
and increased the number of Equipment Operator 2 positions from four to eight, providing
additional opportunities for advancement as employees complete the Apprenticeship Program. The Program has also improved overall morale within the department because employees are given an opportunity to learn new skills and have a clear understanding on how they can advance within the department. The Apprentices receive certifications on different equipment and begin using their new skills to provide crucial maintenance services, creating additional response teams to meet the needs of the County and its residents.
Assistant Public Works Director David Hearn stated, “It has been rewarding being part of the team that planned and implemented this Apprenticeship Program. Nassau County has taken great strides to improve employee development and retention, none bigger than the
Apprenticeship Program. The ability to be able to see a clear career path from Day 1 of
employment is instrumental in reducing the staffing shortages, as well as an accelerated
promotional program to ensure our folks are receiving a competitive living wage. Providing a higher level of training to more employees has also increased the quality of work that we are able to provide, therefore providing an increased level of service to our citizens. In my
opinion, this Apprenticeship Program has given Nassau County and our citizens the best
Return on Investment that I have seen in 25 years.”
BOCC Chairman John Martin added, “An important thing that every organization must do is
cross-train, and this program has done just that. Employees are getting qualified, cross-trained and skilled on multiple pieces of equipment, expanding their capabilities and improving service to the residents.”
If you’re interested in a career with the Road Department, please visit our Human Resources webpage go see current vacancies and to apply online at
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/nassaucountyfl.
For questions about the Apprenticeship Program, please reach out to Assistant Public Works
Director David Hearn at (904) 530-6175 or via email at [email protected].
