On Wednesday, July 16th, the City College for Municipal Employment (CCME) hosted a special ceremony marking a big moment in the lives of nine dedicated Streets Department employees. After months of hard work, these City employees officially graduated from the Surveyor I Upskilling Program, a career development initiative designed to help current City workers transition into higher-paid, technical roles within City infrastructure. 

Leadership that Lifts Up the Workforce 

The ceremony opened with welcoming remarks from Carol de Fries, Executive Director of the Workforce Development and the Municipal College. She highlighted just how much the graduates had accomplished and thanked them for their hard work and service to the City of Philadelphia. Each graduate was recognized by name and invited to the front of the room to receive their certificate. 

Michelle Brisbon, a long-serving City employee with over 30 years of experience in the Streets Department, reflected on her own career path. She once stood in the same shoes as the Surveyor I interns. Her journey through the City’s ranks shaped the leader she is today, and she attributes access to higher education as the tool to getting there. Her story was a powerful reminder that programs like CCME are stepping stones to long-term public service careers. 

Camille Duchaussee, Chief Administrative Officer, also shared a few words, reminding graduates their work isn’t just essential, it’s foundational. These weren’t just students completing a class, these are skilled employees investing in themselves and keeping Philadelphia moving. 

The Bigger Picture: Career Pathways in Public Service 

The Surveyor I Upskilling Program is a clear pathway to promotion and career advancement for current City employees. Participants work closely with the City’s Office of Human Resources to prepare for civil service testing and placement within the Streets Department upon completion of the program.