GEAR UP Workforce Development Program Recognizes First Graduates
At a time when the economy and industries are quickly evolving, the City of Tampa is creating career pathways for local students who want to pursue professions in industries with jobs to fill.
Christopher Figuereo and Maurice Kennedy were the first to complete the City of Tampa's GEAR UP workforce development program -- a partnership with Hillsborough College (HC) designed to build a pipeline of certified, job-ready fleet technicians. Both graduates went through a rigorous 1,800-hour, 18-month curriculum that, combined with hands-on internship experience with the city's fleet team, provided a pathway to full-time jobs straight out of college.
The program was designed as part of Mayor Castor’s T3 Workforce Initiative to better connect Tampa residents to in-demand careers. The structure allows students to immediately apply classroom instruction to real-world fleet repair and maintenance, gaining hands-on experience that strengthens their technical skills and professional readiness.
The initiative was developed to help address nationwide shortages of qualified automotive and diesel technicians. By covering tuition costs, currently up to $13,000 per student for full-program participants, the City of Tampa offers a direct pathway into stable, skilled careers while supporting critical municipal operations. During the initial cohort, mid-program funding approval allowed the City to contribute $5,404.51 per student.
As a result of the program, both graduates completed their education debt-free.
Maurice Kennedy now works in the Fleet Maintenance Solid Waste Line and has earned four ASE Medium/Heavy Truck certifications, positioning him for advancement as a Fleet Mechanic III.
Christopher Figuereo, who has earned three ASE Automotive certifications, is assigned to the City’s Fleet South Wastewater Operations Complex and is progressing into the role of Fleet Mechanic II.
"Programs like GEAR UP show what’s possible when we invest in people who are already part of our community," said Mayor Jane Castor. "Every great city depends on the people who keep it running, and our fleet technicians are at the heart of that, keeping patrol cars, fire trucks, and service vehicles ready to serve our residents every day."
The next GEAR UP cohort begins in September 2026, with capacity for up to four new students who will participate in the paid, 18‑month training and employment model. HC will continue its role as the educational partner, providing high-quality technical instruction aligned with industry standards.
The City of Tampa and HC first announced the GEAR UP partnership in October 2025 as a new approach to connecting talent to key positions. The city is looking to now scale the model to other in-demand professions. What started with fleet technician development within the Logistics & Asset Management Department, will now grow to other departments.