CHSRA Celebrates 16 New Graduates of CVTC

SELMA, Calif. - California High-Speed Rail Authority (CHSRA) recognizes 16 graduates of the Central Valley Training Center (CVTC).

According to CHSRA, this cohort marks a milestone of delivering more than 100,000 hours of training to students. These 16 new graduates are now part of the 284 individuals who have completed the program at CVTC.

The CVTC introduces construction trades to its students and provides hours of training alongside those in the field. These include “ironwork, carpentry, roofing, and masonry.” In addition to graduating from CVTC, students earn industry certifications. The CVTC is part of a collaborative effort among CHSRA, the Fresno-Madera-Kings-Tulare Building Trades Council, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission, the City of Selma, and the Fresno County Economic Development Corporation.

As one of only two women who have completed the program, 18th cohort member Whitney King said, “Transportation is the backbone of America, and I’ve been wanting to get into transportation by working with high-speed rail. This program has given me the opportunity to learn different skills and a wide range of experience – like construction basics, electrical and sheet metal – that I will hopefully take to a future job on a high-speed rail construction site. . . There’s so much that you can gain from the program in regards to the skills, the networking, the exposure, the experience, the certificates – it really truly is a blessing to be able to have this program.”

Central Valley Deputy Regional Director Toni Tinoco said the program “is built on the unique stories of each student and reflects California’s commitment to economic prosperity through good-paying infrastructure jobs. With more than 15,800 construction jobs already created on the project, the Authority continues to invest in workforce opportunities for men and women throughout the Central Valley.”

Fresno Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Will Oliver said, “Reaching 100,000 training hours is more than a milestone, it’s proof that CVTC graduates are gaining the skills local employer’s demand. These hours are translating into real work in the field, supporting projects that strengthen our economy while answering the call for a skilled workforce.”