CHSRA Recognizes 5th Anniversary of CVTC

19th Cohort of Central Valley Training Center.

CHSRA

SELMA, Calif. - For the last five years, the Central Valley Training Center (CVTC) has seen 19 cohorts and more than 300 students complete the pre-apprenticeship program.

The California High-Speed Rail Authority celebrated the CVTC’s fifth anniversary after its 19th cohort of 20 new graduates. In a partnership with the Authority, the Fresno-Madera-Kings-Tulare Building Trades Council, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and the City of Selma, the CVTC offers a pre-apprenticeship program that introduces its cohorts to 10 construction trades. These include ironwork, roofing, masonry, and carpentry. During their pre-apprenticeship, these students earn industry certifications before they enter the workforce.

A graduate of CVTC, Yvette Castro worked to become an electrician. Castro said, “I told my mentor I had zero background in construction, and she told me this program would be a good step forward, to show that I am serious about getting into the field. . . My motivation throughout this program has been my mom. Ideally, I want to be in a good spot financially to support myself and her, so she won’t have to work so hard.”

Deputy City Manager for the city of Selma Jerome Keene said, “The CVTC is among my favorite initiatives in which the city of Selma participates and administers. The program offers residents of the Central Valley opportunities to bet on themselves and pursue employment in the construction trades. The program would not have been possible without the support of the California High-Speed Rail Authority and our amazing partners at the Fresno Economic Development Corporation. I am proud to support a program that offers opportunities to residents who may not have been able to participate in the job force through more traditional paths.”