BALTIMORE, MD (July 30, 2025) - Mayor Brandon M. Scott has officially launched the Baltimore City Infrastructure Academy (BCIA), a new initiative aimed at improving workforce development within city agencies. The announcement was made last week, with the academy spearheaded by the Mayor's Office of Infrastructure Development (MOID).
The BCIA aims to address the pressing need for a skilled infrastructure workforce in Baltimore by consolidating training programs currently offered by various departments. This includes the Department of General Services' Fleet Academy and the Department of Public Works' B'more WISE initiative.
Through a thorough assessment of existing training curricula and workforce challenges, the BCIA will streamline and standardize training opportunities for city employees, ultimately enhancing the delivery of essential services. This initiative reflects the Mayor's commitment to Responsible Stewardship of City Resources, one of his five key pillars.
The first phase of the academy, which launched on July 24, focuses on the Fleet Academy apprenticeship program in collaboration with Baltimore City Public Schools. Mayor Scott expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, "This is a full-circle moment for Park Heights. We've transformed an old elementary school into a training center where Baltimore residents can acquire skills for vital jobs in our city."
City Administrator Faith Leach emphasized the academy's role in equipping residents with the necessary skills to pursue careers in city government, thereby investing in the community and the future of Baltimore.
Key challenges identified by the BCIA include improving workforce training and development. Abrar Abukhdeir, Acting Assistant Deputy Director for Operations at DGS, highlighted the opportunity to invest in the city's youth and future talent.
The B'more WISE program, which has successfully trained both internal staff and external candidates, will be integrated into the BCIA. Michael Hallmen, Deputy Bureau Head of Water and Wastewater for DPW, noted the program's rigorous design, which ensures candidates are well-prepared for their roles.
As the BCIA progresses, additional training programs will be rolled out, including OSHA certifications and project management training, with a focus on enhancing transparency and efficiency in city operations.
Reported by HarborBeat based on Baltimore City (.gov) (source).
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