![[Pre-Apprenticeship-4.jpg]Pre-apprenticeship graduate Alexis Rowberry, a single mother, was living in a shelter when she heard about the program. She is now a journeyman electrician. Her daughter was with her as she told her story. Photo by Peter Maiden](https://fresnoalliance.com/wp-content/uploads/Pre-Apprenticeship-4_web-620x413.jpg)
At the 15th anniversary celebration of the ValleyBuild Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program, local, state and federal officials and representatives gathered with more than 100 people at Pardini’s in Fresno to honor this pioneering pre-apprenticeship initiative. The program has trained hundreds of people for good-paying jobs and solid careers in the building trades.
“The 15-year anniversary demonstrates the importance and staying power of training that guides men and women into steady, living-wage careers in the trades,” said Chuck Riojas, financial secretary/treasurer of the Fresno, Madera, Kings and Tulare Counties Building and Construction Trades Council.
“Our training courses are recognized as the gold standard for these types of programs,” he said. “We are helping grow the middle class and also the skilled workforce needed to build billions of dollars in construction projects planned for this region and beyond.”
The training program was founded by Riojas and the Building and Construction Trades Council; Blake Konczal, executive director of the Fresno Regional Workforce Development Board; and Samuel Norman, a principal in The Rios Company.
At the event, the three organizations and founders of the program were honored with a joint California Assembly/Senate resolution presented by Assembly Member Esmeralda Soria (D‒Fresno), who co-authored the resolution with State Senator Anna Caballero (D‒Merced).
The training spans 14 Central Valley counties and represents a strong collaboration among workforce boards, building trades councils and community partners throughout the region. The six- to 10-week program introduces students to a variety of trades, provides hands-on skills training and offers post-completion support.
“This collaboration between labor, workforce development and community partners continues to provide second chances, and fresh opportunity, for local men and women who want to learn new skills and pursue a solid career,” noted Konczal.
The audience also heard from ValleyBuild graduate Alexis Rowberry, a single mother who was living in a shelter when she heard about the program. She is now a journeyman electrician.
ValleyBuild and its forerunners have transformed hundreds of lives through pre-apprenticeship training in the building and construction trades. More than 90% of those enrolled have graduated from the program, with roughly 75% successfully finding employment.
