$418,635 workforce grant supports disadvantaged youth entering construction industry

At least 105 trainees in Kern County will receive a boost into the construction industry thanks to a $418,635 grant from the California Workforce Development Board. The grant was awarded to the Kern Employers’ Training Resource and will provide training and union referrals to disadvantaged youth looking to enter the construction industry.

The grant, known as the High Roads Construction Pre-apprenticeship Training Grant, will fund case management, supportive services, and drug testing for the Valley Build High Roads Construction Careers – RWF Valley Build Multi-Craft Core Curriculum Pre-Apprenticeship Training Grant. This program aims to develop regionally-based pre-apprenticeship training programs and partnerships that connect disadvantaged Californians to long-term middle-class careers in the construction industry.

To qualify for the program, trainees must fall under one or more of the following priority populations: women, English language learners, immigrants and refugees, justice-involved individuals, youth, and other under-resourced individuals. At least 105 trainees will receive pre-apprenticeship training and union referrals through this grant, providing them with valuable skills and connections in the construction industry.

The Kern County Board of Supervisors will need to approve the agreement with the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board, which serves as the lead agency for the California Workforce Development Board. Once approved, the grant will provide much-needed support to disadvantaged youth in Kern County, giving them the opportunity to enter the construction industry and build a successful career.

This grant is an important investment in the future of the construction industry in Kern County. By providing training and support to disadvantaged youth, it helps to create a more diverse and skilled workforce. With the construction industry experiencing continued growth, programs like this are crucial for bridging the skills gap and ensuring that everyone has equal opportunities for success in the industry.

Overall, the $418,635 grant from the California Workforce Development Board will make a significant impact on the lives of at least 105 trainees in Kern County. By providing training and union referrals, it will help them enter the construction industry and build long-term middle-class careers. This investment in the future of the construction industry is a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and skilled workforce in Kern County.