OAKHURST, CA – I sat down with three key players in bringing the Valley Build program to Yosemite Adult School: Tony Misner, who oversees the career technical programs at Yosemite Adult School; Jessica Carroll, Special Project Coordinator for the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board; and Jerry Irvin, Regional Outreach Coordinator for the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board. Notably, Jerry is a graduate of Valley Build himself. “I was offered jobs in the trades, but I chose to do this because this is more rewarding,” he shared.
Recognizing a need for more skilled tradespersons in the Central Valley and foothills, the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board (FRWDB) acts as a “training broker,” facilitating programs that help unemployed and underemployed residents secure well-paying jobs. The Valley Build program is an 8-week initiative that offers hands-on training, safety certification, and direct pathways to union apprenticeships in the building trades. This collaborative effort involves the FRWDB, other workforce boards, and construction trade councils.
Starting January 13th and running until March 6th, this will be the first time Yosemite Adult School will offer the Valley Build cohort. The school has prior experience in this realm, having recently initiated its third cohort for the Greater Sierra Forestry Corps program.
During the program, students will be exposed to ten different trades, led by experts in their fields, including electricians (IBEW), masons, plumbers, and pipefitters. The graduation rate for the Valley Build program across the Central Valley is an impressive 94%, and Tony hopes to meet or exceed that threshold with Yosemite’s inaugural cohort. Moreover, the job placement rate for graduates stands at around 75%, with each participant exiting the program with up to $10,000 worth of training and experience.
One surprising aspect of the Valley Build program is that it is entirely free of charge. If students are eligible through workforce development funds, they will also leave with about $1,000 worth of personal protective gear and tools needed to start in the trades.
The program focuses on placing students in jobs within trade unions and related fields, doing everything possible to support each student’s success. Graduates matched with a trade union can receive assistance with initiation costs, which may reach as high as $4,000.
Supportive services available through the FRWDB further enhance the program by removing obstacles to student success. These services include mileage reimbursement, childcare, counseling, and more. “We try to remove every barrier that we can for them,” says Tony, emphasizing their commitment to providing comprehensive support.
The Valley Build program promotes inclusivity, with initiatives like the NOW Program, an all-female cohort that has achieved success in placing graduates in trades, despite the program overall having a lower number of women participants.
Requirements for entry into the program include being 18 years of age or older, possessing a high school diploma or equivalent, and passing a drug test, including for cannabis and its metabolites. Participants must also be physically fit, have a driver’s license (though assistance is provided for obtaining one), and reliable transportation. Additionally, males of certain ages must be registered with the Selective Service.
Training in the Valley Build program extends beyond trade skills, providing a holistic approach to career readiness. Students learn essential life skills, including financial literacy, which equips them to manage their finances effectively. The program also includes critical resume writing and interview preparation, ensuring participants are not only skilled tradespeople but also polished professionals ready to excel in the job market.
Ultimately, the Valley Build initiative is vital in investing in the skills and futures of individuals, particularly from underrepresented communities. With free training, hands-on experience, and comprehensive support systems, participants gain not just employment but also the means to become valued contributors to their communities. The program’s dedication to dismantling barriers and creating opportunities represents a significant step toward building a skilled workforce prepared to meet the demands of the Central Valley and beyond, paving the way for many to transform their dreams into reality.
To learn more about Valley Build and to register for the upcoming orientations, visit the Valley Build site, https://valleybuild.net
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