BUILD YOUR FUTURE HERE
Forging Careers in Construction Through Apprenticeships in the Trades
BUILDING OPPORTUNITY
Paving the way for local workers
California’s Central Valley feeds the nation, and the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board (FRWDB) is committed to ensuring the valley’s own tables aren’t left empty.
With nearly $50 billion in infrastructure projects approved for the area—even before factoring in federal infrastructure funds—the valley has a chance for a significant economic boost. This is vital, as three of the five poorest census tracts in California are located here. However, a shortage of skilled workers threatens to limit the impact of these projects.
“The notion that you could have immensely valuable work passing through some of the poorest areas, without making those jobs available to the people living there—something is really wrong with that,” said Blake Konczal, FRWDB executive director. “It’s like walking a starving man past a buffet and saying, ‘Don’t touch that food.’”
“The workers here in the valley have a wonderful work ethic.”
This is where ValleyBuild comes in. Covering 14 counties, ValleyBuild is a collaborative effort between FRWDB, other workforce boards and construction trade councils. Its six-week pre-apprenticeship training is “multi-craft,” spanning a variety of construction trades, and delivered by qualified union trainers. The program leads directly to apprenticeships, allowing participants to earn while they learn. The near future will offer plenty of high-paying, union jobs, but the valley will suffer if those jobs aren’t filled locally. Konczal said, “It’s lost opportunity if we can’t keep that money here. Those jobs will be filled. If they’re not filled by workers here, they’ll be filled by workers from out of the area.”
BLAKE KONCZAL, FRWDB Executive Director
The key to accessing those opportunities is training. The FRWDB, acting as a “training broker,” facilitates programs that move unemployed and underemployed residents into wellpaying jobs. Agriculture is still the valley’s economic backbone, but opportunities are expanding beyond farming. Training is also offered for the growing health care and forestry sectors, but the largest opportunity lies in construction—particularly with well-funded infrastructure projects.
Projects like a new $500 million surface water treatment plant could provide jobs for local workers, keeping the economic benefits in the community. “The workers here in the valley have a wonderful work ethic,” Konczal said. “All they need is the training to be competitive for those apprentice slots.”
Does Konczal remain optimistic?
“I know we move the needle for those we are able to touch,” he said.
ValleyBuild focuses on moving people into high-paying construction jobs for infrastructure projects.
VALLEYBUILD INFRASTRUCTURE STUDY
(2020-2031)
$47 BILLION in planned infrastructure projects over 10 years.
KEY SECTORS:
$21.6 billion in transportation improvements (streets, highways, bridges).
$4 billion in solar energy projects.
$4.1 billion in public building construction.
$2.2 billion in water and wastewater improvements.
Projects will create 41,000 jobs, including 16,000 in transportation.
PHOTO COURTESY OF FRWDB
BREAKING BARRIERS
Creating opportunities for underserved communities
Finding a high-paying job without a college degree can be challenging, especially in rural areas. ValleyBuild is working to change that.
This program connects California workforce boards with construction trades across 14 counties, from Bakersfield to Stockton, preparing candidates for trade union apprenticeships. ValleyBuild helps under-served communities find living wages in construction trades while opening doors for career advancement.
“Our number one goal is to get them a union placement because we know that they’re going to be taken care of and have amazing benefits,” said Beatriz Lopez, ValleyBuild Coordinator for Fresno. “That’s not common in areas like this. There’s a lot of low income.”
ValleyBuild is a MultiCraft Core Curriculum (MC3) pre-apprenticeship program, lasting four to ten weeks. It provides participants with training in safety procedures like OSHA 30, CPR/first aid, heavy machinery operation, and hazardous materials transportation. They also gain soft skills like interviewing and resume building. Most importantly, participants meet with local trade unions. “We have the various unions come out and speak with the participants and kind of do a career day,” said James Hanson, ValleyBuild Coordinator in the Mother Lode area. They learn about entry requirements, membership fees, and assessments for all the different unions.
ValleyBuild aims to break down employment barriers. Basic requirements include being 18 years of age and having a high school diploma, with some areas also requiring a valid driver’s license and transportation. To further support participants, ValleyBuild provides wraparound services—work boots, personal protective equipment, fuel incentives, stipends based on family size, and childcare during training. “We want to remove as many obstacles as possible,” said David Hudgins, ValleyBuild Coordinator for Kern County.
“Our number one goal is to get them a union placement...”
BEATRIZ LOPEZ ValleyBuild Coordinator for Fresno
ValleyBuild NOW is a version of the program for women with graduates achieving high placement rates in the industry as plumbers, sheet metal workers, bricklayers, and cement masons. “It’s been fantastic,” Lopez said. Women are “welcomed, and the trades are super-excited and inviting. They want to make sure that it’s possible for these women to be a part of it.”
The program also helps those seeking a second chance. James Hanson visits prisons and rehab centers to recruit participants.
“There’s a humanistic element to it,” Hanson says. “Let’s say you have a single mom on public assistance … She exits the program and is immediately making $28.50 an hour … She can now provide for her family without assistance … There’s light at the end of the tunnel. Success stories like that are amazing.”
The Multi-Craft Core Curriculum: is a standardized pre-apprenticeship training program that sets aspiring workers up for success in union apprenticeships within the construction industry. It provides foundational skills and knowledge in:
TURNING SETBACKS INTO SUCCESS
Guidance and training can create leaders from life’s lowest points
When Jerry Irvin joined ValleyBuild, he was a single father relying on unemployment benefits after his autobody shop folded during the COVID-19 shutdowns. He described this as one of the darkest periods of his life.
Irvin knew he needed to make a change and decided to seek training to secure a job working in construction for the California High-Speed Rail Authority. He was referred to ValleyBuild, where he met Ashley Matthews, Special Projects Manager for the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, who recruited him into the program.
Upon graduation, Irvin was offered a vacant position as a Project Coordinator for the FRWDB. He now assists with managing the Greater Sierra Forestry Corps and ValleyBuild programs, focusing on ways to enhance the programs and pay it forward to the next cohort of participants.
Irvin finds his new career fulfilling, noting that it’s rewarding to positively impact the lives of those he recruits. He also mentioned that the training programs continue to achieve great success, with a growing number of participants. He credits ValleyBuild as the springboard that launched his life onto a trajectory of success. “The program was amazing and it definitely changed my life,” he said. “If it wasn’t for ValleyBuild, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now.”
“If it wasn’t for ValleyBuild, I wouldn’t be in the position I am now.”
JERRY IRVIN, ValleyBuild Graduate and Regional Outreach Coordinator for FRWDB
Matthews noted Irvin’s natural leadership and mentoring abilities during his time in the program. “He was a leader among his peers and a mentor to the younger students,” she said. “When it came time for graduation, I asked him to be the class speaker. He did a great job and had so many opportunities afterward.”
Although there is a long waitlist, the FRWDB aims to recruit an additional 500 individuals to training programs over the next few years. Irvin is happy to help recruit new participants and says his experience makes it easy to build those critical relationships.
“I think the reason I connect so well with the participants is because I can put myself in their shoes. I was in their shoes just two years ago,” Irvin said. “When I hear their stories and look in their eyes, I know they believe me when I tell them that I need six months of their life for forestry or a month and a half for ValleyBuild to change their lives. They all believe me and sign on.”
WHAT SKILLED TRADES OFFER APPRENTICESHIPS FOR VALLEYBUILD GRADUATES?
IBEW // International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
Teamsters // International Brotherhood of Teamsters
BAC // International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers
IUPAT // International Union of Painters and Allied Trades
LIUNA // Laborers’ International Union of North America
SMART // Sheet Metal, Air, Rail and Transportation Workers
UA // Union of Plumbers, Fitters, Welders and Service Techs
Roofers // United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers
IUOE // International Union of Operating Engineers
Boilermakers // International Brotherhood of Boilermakers, Iron Ship Builders, Blacksmiths, Forgers and Helpers
OPCMIA // Operative Plasterers’ and Cement Masons’ International Association
Jerry Irvin helps ValleyBuild participants succeed in their own transformative journeys. PHOTO BY CORY MAYO
FINDING CAREERS
Layoffs lead to rewarding opportunities
When Bitwise Industries closed in 2023, laying off hundreds of Fresno-area workers, Enrique Anchondo found himself at a crossroads. With 15 years of maintenance experience, including three years in tenant improvement work, he was searching for a more stable and fulfilling career. That’s when Workforce Connection stepped in to provide the tools he needed to succeed in the construction industry.
Funded and directed by the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, Workforce Connection offers participants access to more than 120 services and programs designed to help them excel in a variety of careers. For those with a background or interest in construction, like Anchondo, the organization often connects them to ValleyBuild, a program that provides hands-on training and connections to union opportunities.
“It’s the full solution,” says Garret Lecat, rapid response coordinator for Workforce Connection. “Participants go through job readiness workshops on soft skills such as resume writing and interview skills before they even meet with unions.”
Initially interested in becoming an electrician, Anchondo changed his mind after visiting the sheet metal union. Watching an instructor transform a flat piece of metal into a toolbox sparked his passion for sheet metal work.
After completing the program, Anchondo began working with Sheet Metal Workers’ Union Local No. 104 to fulfill his 200-hour transitional job requirement. Soon after, he was hired by Patton Air, where he continues to build his career.
“The speed to career is special,” says Franco. “Getting them from unemployment to employment can happen very quickly.”
“I would not have known this sheet metal union existed if I hadn’t gone through ValleyBuild.”
When re-employment specialist Izabell Franco met Anchondo after his layoff, she saw his potential and encouraged him to explore ValleyBuild. Anchondo, feeling stuck in limbo, was ready for a change. “I wanted to find something I could do for the rest of my life, be comfortable in, and stick to it,” he says.
While Anchondo is grateful for the program’s support, Franco credits his determination. “Enrique is a shining example of what can be accomplished when grit and determination meet the resources of a program like ValleyBuild,” she says.
For Anchondo, the experience has been life-changing. “I would not have known this sheet metal union existed if I hadn’t gone through ValleyBuild,” he says. “I can see myself doing that every day and enjoying it.”
Workforce Connection and programs like ValleyBuild don’t just help workers find jobs—they help them build lasting careers, creating ripples of positive impact throughout the community.
LAYING GROUNDWORK
Pre-apprenticeships give students a leg up
Nidia Chicas has done a lot in her life: assistant cook, school secretary, retail manager, and more. But as a mother of seven, she wanted something better for her family.
“I was tired of going from job, to job, to job,” she says. “I wanted something more stable and more secure for me and my family in the long run.”
Chicas turned to Workforce Connection, which connected her with ValleyBuild, a pre-apprenticeship program for the construction trades. The program’s short training period, flexible schedule, and job security — including preparation to apply for union membership — appealed to her.
Chicas recalls how joining the union brought stability to her life. “I used to worry about bills and how I was going to pay,” she says. “Now I don’t worry because I always have a consistent job.” She adds that the flexible hours let her spend more time with her children, something she missed when working multiple jobs. “Financially, physically, and emotionally, a lot has changed with me joining the union,” she says.
EMPOWERING WOMEN IN CONSTRUCTION
ValleyBuild identified key barriers women face in construction and is addressing them through:
Financial Assistance: Support for childcare, transportation, and training costs.
Awareness and Mentorship: Promoting trades and offering strong female role models.
All-Women’s Cohorts: ValleyBuild NOW launched in 2023.
Diversity Training: Implementing 10 DEI training modules to reduce harassment.
Today, Chicas is a taper apprentice with the International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Local Union 294, District 16, a position ValleyBuild helped her secure. As an apprentice, her training is paid, and she receives medical benefits and pension contributions — a stark contrast to many career paths.
“With the trades, you’re not in debt going into a field of work,” she says. “If you go to college, you’re there a long time and come out with debt. Here, you’re getting hands-on skills, and it’s a short period of time.”
The demand for construction jobs is growing across California, and ValleyBuild equips participants with foundational knowledge for a range of positions.
“People can join apprenticeship programs without ValleyBuild,” says Jeffery Roberts, Regional Director of District Council 16, Local Union 294. “But I’d rather have people who went through ValleyBuild because it prepares them. These aren’t jobs; these are careers. They’re immediately getting money for health care and pensions.”
For Chicas, financial stability is important, but so is setting an example for her children. Her eldest son is interested in construction, and she’s proud to show him alternatives to the “traditional” path.
“There are so many options where you can succeed and have a good, decent career without going to college,” she says. “Some people are stuck on the system, but there’s way more out there.”
“I wanted something more stable and more secure for me and my family in the long run.”
NIDIA CHICAS
Taper apprentice, International Union of Painters and Allied Trades, Local Union 294, District 16
Nidia Chicas used skills gained through ValleyBuild to build a stable and fulfilling career in construction.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF FRWDB
BY
CREATING INCLUSIVE PRACTICES
Women succeed in maledominated fields
After surviving homelessness and working minimumwage jobs, Alexis Rowberry decided it was time to find a higher-paying career to support herself and her two young children.
Today, Rowberry is starting her fifth and final year as an apprentice with IBEW Local Union 100 and aims to become a foreman. She says ValleyBuild’s free construction training program “changed my life. My life is completely different because they gave me an opportunity.”
Rowberry first learned about ValleyBuild through an ad at a California Department of Social Services office. “I figured, ‘Construction is going to pay me right now. I don’t have to wait and get a degree or anything,’” she recalls.
During training, Rowberry and her classmates spent weekdays visiting trade unions, learning about different professions, and completing hands-on projects like building brick walls, making metal toolboxes, and connecting lightbulbs to switches.
“I already knew I wanted to be an electrician from day one. That was my goal,” Rowberry says.
Another ValleyBuild recruit, Maribel Andres of Fresno, joined the program in 2022 after considering a career as an EMT. After learning about the benefits of construction work, including a pension, the choice was clear. “It was an easy decision to make,” she says.
Today, Andres is a plumbing apprentice at Plumbers, Pipefitters, HVACR Technicians Local 246. Like Rowberry, she
GARY KAZANJIAN
vital resources, including math classes, mock interviews, and certifications in CPR and safety training.
While both women benefited from the program, they note they were often among only a few women in their classes.
“But ValleyBuild has been pushing heavily to bring women into the trades,” says Robert Topete, director of training for the Fresno Area Plumbers, Pipefitters, and HVACR Technicians Training Center. Initiatives like ValleyBuild NOW (Non-traditional Occupations for Women) have organized all-women cohorts, significantly boosting female participation.
“Anytime I had questions or needed something, they gave me what I needed to get through the program,” Rowberry says. “I have so much independence because I don’t need financial help. It’s an amazing feeling.”
“ValleyBuild changed my life. My life is completely different because they gave me an opportunity.”
ALEXIS ROWBERRY
ValleyBuild Participant & Electrical Apprentice with IBEW Local Union 100
Alexis Rowberry’s passion for electrical work transformed her life with skills that light the way to a brighter future. PHOTO
EQUIPPING APPRENTICES
Union construction jobs are highly coveted for their pay, benefits, and worker protections. However, for those outside the industry, the path to joining a union isn’t always clear.
“Many folks in the trade unions grew up knowing about them because of a family member,” says Alissa Reed, executive secretary of the Kern, Inyo, and Mono Building and Construction Trades Council. “But that’s not a large percentage of the population. Typically, most people have no clue this is a pathway available to them.”
ValleyBuild’s pre-apprenticeship readiness program addresses these challenges by preparing participants with the skills and connections they need to succeed. Participants gain a competitive edge through certifications like CPR, OSHA 10, and forklift operation, while also learning hands-on skills and improving their interview techniques.
“Union membership is a pathway to the middle class.”
Even when people understand the value of union jobs, the process of entering an apprenticeship can be daunting. Some unions have entrance exams requiring specific math knowledge, while others prefer applicants with on-site training or safety certifications like OSHA 10. With over a dozen trades, each with its own union, many aspiring workers may not know where to start.
ALISSA REED Executive Secretary of Kern, Inyo, and Mono Building and Construction Trades Council
“ValleyBuild participants get certifications that jump off the page,” says Corey Van Rys, secretarytreasurer of the Valley Building and Construction Trades Council. “It shows a prospective employer that this person has invested in themselves. It makes them more valuable than an 18-year-old who walks in off the street wanting a job.”
The program also helps participants explore the trades through direct connections with union affiliates, making the process more transparent and accessible. “Apprenticeship can be nepotistic,” says Chuck Riojas, secretary-treasurer of the Fresno, Madera, Kings, and Tulare Building and Construction Trades Council. “What we’ve been doing the last decade is trying to expose the
Certifications give workers a competitive edge
community to what we do. ValleyBuild is a key part of that.” ValleyBuild actively recruits from marginalized communities, partnering with high schools, probation departments, and community-based organizations to reach justice-impacted individuals and others traditionally excluded from construction careers. ValleyBuild NOW, an all-female cohort, bridges the gender gap by offering opportunities for women in the trades.
“Union membership is a pathway to the middle class,” says Reed. “It allows people to support a family and sets them up for success.”
Van Rys agrees that unionized construction offers workers critical protections against exploitation. “You can have a very successful career through a union. Your job isn’t tied to one employer, and you’re always contributing to your retirement and healthcare,” he says.
WHAT INDUSTRYRECOGNIZED CERTIFICATIONS CAN I EARN?
MC3 curriculum includes these essential safety certifications: • ValleyBuild MC3 Certificate of Completion • CPR/1st Aid Certification • OSHA 10 or 30
• Hazwoper 40
• Hazard Waste Awareness
• Forklift Safety
• Scissor Lift Safety
• Scaffolding Safety
• Blue Print Reading
Ask your project coordinator about the availability of certifications in your county.
Alissa Reed is passionate about opening pathways to union apprenticeships for underrepresented communities. PHOTO BY JUNIOR TOBIAS
MODELING BEST PRACTICES
ValleyBuild’s provision of career opportunities that lift individuals out of poverty while addressing critical workforce shortages in the construction industry is supported by the California Workforce Development Board (CWDB) and the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California (SBCTC). In fact, the program has become a model for workforce training and development across the state.
“ValleyBuild is an impressively innovative project that has long set the standard for what HRCC can be at its very best,” says Marc Cowan, field specialist on the CWDB’s Equity, Climate, and Jobs Team. “They are a flagship of the HRCC Initiative, and much of what they have implemented around recruitment, training, and supportive services have been singled out by the CWDB as best practices for partnerships statewide.”
“ValleyBuild is an impressively innovative project that has long set the standard...”
best practices that inspire workforce programs across California. (Right) Jeremy Smith supports ValleyBuild’s mission by strengthening ties between the program and local trade unions.
success. By setting high standards for recruitment, training, and support, the program reduces attrition rates and helps participants thrive in their chosen trades.
“The MC3 certification sets ValleyBuild graduates apart,” Smith notes. “It ensures participants have chosen the right trade and are ready to meet the demands of the industry.”
Jeremy Smith, chief of staff at the SBCTC, highlights the importance of ValleyBuild’s connections with local trade unions. “ValleyBuild is so sophisticated that they have maintained many of their union connections themselves, but we stand ready to help with any new connections they need to continue serving individuals seeking assistance,” he says.
ValleyBuild’s four-to-10-week program offers intensive coursework, including Bridge to MC3 Construction, Math, Vocational English as a Second Language, and safety training. It also prepares future apprentices with work hours, tools, and attire, equipping them to meet the demands of construction careers.
“The ValleyBuild Program lifts people out of poverty by connecting them to middle-class careers in the building and construction trades,” Cowan explains. “It also provides California with the skilled workforce needed to build and maintain infrastructure critical to our economy.”
This comprehensive approach ensures that ValleyBuild graduates are not only job-ready but also prepared for long-term
Graduates leave the program knowing the value of early starts, hard work, and professional standards. By combining technical training with practical support, ValleyBuild continues to transform lives while addressing critical workforce needs in California’s construction sector.
$1,496,214 $327,595 $2,453,531 $1,253,989 $293,939 $262,121
(Left)
Marc Cowan appreciates ValleyBuild’s
PHOTOS BY ANNE STOKES
VOLUNTEERING BUILDS BRIDGES
Partnerships foster empathy and construction skills
Since May 2023, ValleyBuild students have been volunteering at Habitat for Humanity Greater Fresno Area building sites, where they gain hands-on experience and help construct homes for local families. Known as the ValleyBuild Community Project, this collaboration offers students practical training while supporting Habitat’s mission with skilled volunteers.
“When you have volunteers with a few tips and tricks under their belt, you can potentially get a lot more done,” says Celena Genest, Habitat’s Volunteer Engagement Coordinator. “We have a goal for the day, and the ValleyBuild group typically blows that goal out of the water, whatever the task is.”
Rick O’Daniel, Habitat’s construction director, notes that ValleyBuild students recently handled the more complex task of pre-building framing elements for a future home, rather than the simpler tasks typically assigned to volunteers.
“The fact that the students came with some basic construction training reduced the typical learning curve,” O’Daniel says. “They were prepared to learn the physical skills for the day such as cutting, measuring, and nailing framing members.”
Beatriz Lopez, Senior Project Coordinator for ValleyBuild, explains that the volunteer hours extend the training students receive, allowing them to apply their skills in real-world scenarios. “They’re able to do hands-on projects that help families in our area,” she says.
This partnership provides mutual benefits. For Habitat, the addition of skilled volunteers allows projects to progress more efficiently. For students, the experience reinforces the training they’ve received and builds confidence in their abilities. Many participants leave with a deeper appreciation for the physical and technical demands of construction, as well as a sense of accomplishment from directly helping families.
For some students, the emotional rewards are as significant as the practical ones. Genest estimates that roughly 15% of the 60-80 ValleyBuild participants she’s worked with have returned to volunteer after graduation. “It’s absolutely amazing,” she says. “Someone volunteers one time and is so moved by our mission that they continue to volunteer with us. We couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“A graduate of the women-focused ValleyBuild NOW program negotiated a raise with her employer after helping them read blueprints,” Lopez shares. Training with Habitat’s licensed
contractors prepared her for that moment, allowing her to step up when no one else could.
This partnership doesn’t just build houses—it builds futures. The hands-on experience offers participants more than career pathways; it provides a foundation for lasting change in their lives and communities.
“We have a goal for the day, and the ValleyBuild group typically blows that goal out of the water, whatever the task is.”
CELENA GENEST Habitat for
Coordinator
THINK YOU’RE A GOOD FIT FOR
THIS IS WHAT IT TAKES:
Reliable : Be on time with excellent attendance.
Safety-Minded : Stay aware and prioritize safety.
Committed : Dedicate yourself to your growth and future.
Physically Active : Meet the physical demands of construction.
Team-Oriented : Work well and collaborate with others.
Positive Attitude : Face challenges with optimism.
Leadership Potential : Step up and take charge when needed.
Humanity’s Volunteer Engagement
Top, Rick O’Daniel guides ValleyBuild students through hands-on construction tasks, sharing skills for future careers. PHOTO COURTESY OF FRWDB
Bottom, Celena Genest values ValleyBuild students as a skilled resource for helping families while gaining hands-on training. PHOTO BY PETER MAIDEN
CONNECTING STUDENTS
Collegiate partnerships open career paths
Regional colleges are helping ValleyBuild expand its training program by partnering to provide trainees with pathways to earning college credit and advancing their careers. These efforts aim to address an aging workforce and the growing demand for skilled construction workers in California’s Central Valley, where unfilled construction jobs have led to economic challenges such as higher housing costs and infrastructure issues.
Fresno City College (FCC) is among the institutions collaborating with ValleyBuild, aligning the program with community college standards to allow participants to earn college credit. “The [Multi-Craft Core Curriculum] (MC3) offered at FCC is equivalent to ValleyBuild’s training course,” says Dr. Becky Barabe, Dean of Applied Technology at FCC. “This provides participants and students the opportunity to continue their education in construction and trades programs.”
“Not only are we getting them the training to be workforce ready, but it is also huge for the economic potential for these participants...”
AUTUMN GARDIA Director of Special Projects and Grants at Merced College
In response to evolving industry standards, academic credits and certificates are becoming more desirable qualifications for leadership roles in the trades. “Now we are trying to assist workers with this education to help with their leadership and management development,” Barabe explains.
FCC’s MC3 curriculum proposal, approved by its local committee last April, is pending approval by the state chancellor’s office. Once finalized, ValleyBuild graduates— past and future—will be able to request college credit through prior learning assessments. Discussions are also underway to collaborate with local high schools, enabling students to complete the MC3 course during their high school years.
Merced College is also partnering with ValleyBuild and plans to establish the first co-located ValleyBuild campus on its grounds. Currently in the planning stages, Merced College will offer lab space and facilities for the MC3 curriculum alongside its existing programs in welding, HVAC, and industrial electrical.
“We’re excited to offer this training locally and provide participants with college credits for their efforts,” says Autumn Gardia, Director of Special Projects and Grants at Merced College. The first cohort is scheduled to launch in March 2025.
Beyond workforce readiness, these partnerships are poised to drive long-term economic growth. “Not only are we getting them the training to be workforce ready, but this also has huge economic potential,” Gardia says. “Education can lead to management and supervisory positions, which benefit both the individual and the community.”
For over 80 years, California’s prevailing wage laws have required public works bidders to use uniform wage rates, preventing competition based on lower pay. These rates are typically set by collective bargaining agreements.
APPRENTICE STARTING
Dr. Becky Barabe advocates for integrating trades education with college opportunities at Fresno City College. PHOTO BY CORY MAYO
