BC3 recognized from the beginning the importance of forging relationships between workforce development organizations and building trades apprenticeship programs. After all, it is a natural fit. But we discovered that, for many One Stop staffers, information about the trades was, at best spotty, and at worst, not even on the radar screen. BC3's goal is to bring our education program directly to One Stops and WIBs so that those staff who offer trainings, put on career events and work directly with clients are prepared with current "nuts and bolts" information about how to get into the trades.
What makes careers in the trades and apprenticeship such a great option for workforce development? When you place a client with no previous experience into the "Earn While You Learn" model of apprenticeship you are placing them directly into a high-wage/high-growth job with benefits. Women and men are paid to learn a skilled craft over time and eventually reach the level of Journeyman. The number of Journeymen who are retiring exceeds the number of new workers coming in to carry on the tradition. The construction industry desperately needs new workers to take over where others leave off. But learning a trade is a long process, not one that can be accomplished overnight.
The California Outlook
California's construction industry is booming. In addition to the $37 billion in infrastructure bonds, and $2 billion/year in transportation funding that were approved by California voters in November 2006, ten counties across the state approved sales tax increases dedicated to improving their transportation infrastructure for another $15 billion. Workforce estimates of 144,000 new construction workers needed to do all the construction work in the pipeline over the next 10 years may be, at best, conservative.
Equipped with the right information, One Stops can help meet the needs of the construction industry while providing life-long career opportunities to clients. That's where BC3 comes in.
Our Outreach Coordinators, who themselves overcame life challenges to find better opportunity through construction careers, share their own stories, experiences, and wisdom about how to succeed in apprenticeship and the building trades. BC3 is a valuable resource for you and your clients and is accessible to you in a variety of ways: through staff trainings, conference workshop presentations, individual meetings, career fairs, an interactive website, and a package of high-quality materials.
How One Stops can help clients and the industry:
1. Familiarize yourself with the different crafts and what they do so that you can direct people to those that best fit their interests and talents. Click Here to learn Who Builds What.
2. Understand the personality and traits you need to succeed in the trades. Pre-screening clients is vital for everyone concerned. Apprenticeship programs are looking for candidates who are willing to work hard and stick with the program for 3-5 years. The rewards are fantastic but they require commitment. Click Here to learn more about Working In the Trades and access a Self-Assessment test.
3. Learn the basics of Apprenticeship. Each program is run differently so you must work with them directly to get the most up-to-date application information. Here are some of the basic requirements that apply to most (not all) trades:
High School diploma or G.E.D.
Minimum 18 years of age (there is no specified maximum age).
Physical ability to perform the work.
Valid California Drivers License.
Reliable transportation.
Drug free and willing to be drug tested.
Good basic math skills.
4. Know the apprenticeship programs operating in your area. Establish relationships with the Coordinators and let them know you are interested in working together. They can tell you what their anticipated needs are for workers in your specific area. Click Here to Find Programs near you.
5. Maintain a resource library at your One Stop where the public can access information about the trades and apprenticeship. You can start by requesting BC3 brochures, posters, and DVDs at no charge through the link below.
6. Arrange for this website www.BuildingC3.com to be readily accessible to job seekers at your One Stop computer resource center.
7. Contact us to set-up a staff training session for your One Stop. You can find more detailed information through the links below.
Use these links to learn more about what's available to you:
About Staff Training Sessions
Setting Up a BC3 Training—How it Works
Order Free BC3 Materials
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