Wrenches. Wisdom. Workforce.

The Department of General Services is proud to introduce the Fleet Academy — a workforce development and training center that simulates a real-world automotive shop while also functioning as a classroom. This innovative space is designed to prepare Baltimore City residents for stable, high-demand careers as mechanics, welders, CDL drivers, and more.

Whether you're a student exploring your future, a career changer, or an aspiring technician looking to sharpen your skills, Fleet Academy is your launchpad into the fleet and automotive industries.

What We’re Building

At its core, Fleet Academy is a training and workforce development center modeled after an Automotive Repair Shop. Participants will gain hands-on experience in a professional setting while receiving classroom instruction in:

• Preventive maintenance and diagnostics
• Welding and fabrication
• CDL prep and safety
• Hybrid and diesel technology
• Professionalism and workplace readiness

The space will also host high school work-study students, apprentices, and interns from our partner programs — giving them firsthand exposure to careers in the public fleet sector.

Why It Matters

Fleet’s work is largely behind the scenes — supporting the City’s essential service providers like Fire, Police, and Public Works. But our most valuable asset is our people: highly skilled, deeply experienced technicians.

Through Fleet Academy, we’re creating an opportunity to share those skills with the community — not just to build awareness, but to actively grow the next generation of fleet professionals.

Who is it For?

• High school students in automotive programs 
• Recent graduates & young adults entering the workforce
• Those looking to reskill or transition into a new field
• Individuals interested in skilled trades instead of college
• Young people not in school or employment who would benefit from structure and skill-building

Partners & Community Impact

Fleet Academy expands DGS's ability to work closely with City agencies, schools, and nonprofit workforce development partners. Current collaborations include:

• Longstanding partnerships with MERVO, Forest Park, and Edmondson-Westside High Schools
• Coordination with MOED and other workforce-focused entities
• Development of curriculum aligned with public fleet needs and municipal career pathways

This center formalizes and expands DGS’s internal training efforts, ensuring we can meet staffing demands today and build a sustainable fleet workforce for the future.

Our Commitment

The DGS Fleet Academy is a long-term investment in Baltimore’s workforce and infrastructure. By training local talent, we strengthen public services, create economic mobility, and ensure that Baltimore’s future is driven by those who call it home.

Entrance Criteria

To be admitted into the Fleet Academy, applicants must:

• Be between 16 and 21 years old at the time of application. Students under 18 must have signed parental or guardian permission to participate in the program.
• Be a Baltimore City resident.
• Demonstrate an interest in automotive technology or mechanical trades.
• Be currently enrolled in a high school or GED program, OR be a recent high school graduate.

Submit a completed application including:

• Academic records (latest report card or transcript)
• Recommendation letter (from a teacher, mentor, or employer)
• Personal statement or interest essay

Application Process

Due to high demand and limited availability, applications for the second cohort of the Fleet Academy will open this fall.

Applications Open: October 1, 2025

Applications Close: October 31, 2025

Decision Letters Issued: November 15–30, 2025

Classes Begin: January 12, 2026

Program Schedule

• Days: Monday through Friday
• Time: 7:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: 4910 Park Heights Avenue
• Duration: January 2026 to December 2026

For partnership opportunities, programming inquiries, or early interest: FleetAcademy@baltimorecity.gov