Mayor Muriel Bowser officially inaugurated the new DC Infrastructure Academy (DCIA) at the historic Spingarn High School campus in Ward 5 today. This initiative, backed by the Department of Employment Services (DOES) and the DC Department of General Services (DGS), aims to enhance vocational training for residents seeking careers in the infrastructure sector. Since its inception in 2018, the DC Infrastructure Academy has provided training to over 6,500 individuals and now plans to expand its reach further with the new facility.
“When we launched the DC Infrastructure Academy in 2018, we had a simple goal: make sure DC residents were first in line for the good paying careers being created in some of the most in-demand industries,” Bowser stated. The mayor emphasized the importance of the academy in equipping Washingtonians with the skills necessary to secure stable employment and support their families.
The newly renovated facility boasts 50,000 square feet of indoor space and an additional 12,000 square feet dedicated to outdoor training. Key features include an automotive lab, various instructional rooms, a Pepco training yard, and flexible outdoor work areas. According to DOES Director Dr. Unique Morris-Hughes, this expansion represents a significant step in the District’s commitment to workforce development and economic mobility.
In collaboration with local employers such as DC Water, Pepco, and WMATA, the academy is positioned to meet the growing demand for workers with specialized technical skills. Metro Chief Infrastructure Officer Theresa Impastato remarked on the partnership, highlighting the industry’s need for trained professionals to maintain the region’s public transportation system.
DGS Director Delano Hunter noted that the new facility not only transforms the physical landscape of the city but also creates opportunities for residents to improve their lives through education and skill development. The DCIA’s mission is to strengthen the local workforce while preparing graduates for careers in high-demand fields.
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