More than three dozen men and women are on a path to good-paying jobs after successfully completing apprenticeship readiness classes offered through ValleyBuild, a regional training program for construction trades.

Over the summer, three ceremonies across the 14-county ValleyBuild region honored 42 graduates. The graduations from MC3 Apprenticeship Readiness Programs took place in July and August in Stockton (San Joaquin County), Fresno (Fresno County) and Bakersfield (Kern County).

ValleyBuild unites workforce development boards, building trades councils and other partners throughout the Central Valley in an effort to train men and women for construction-related jobs in the region and around California.

In Stockton, 16 students graduated from the region’s fourth cohort in August. Many were successfully placed in union apprenticeships of their choice, said Nick Weathers, North Valley Regional MC3 Lead Coordinator.

The class had a 100% graduation rate.

In Bakersfield, another 16 students graduated in July from the program that provides instruction, allows students to explore different building trades and offers a route to good-paying jobs in the construction industry.

The graduates were supported by friends and family and honored by a variety of speakers who praised the program and students. It was the second class of Kern County graduates under the ValleyBuild banner.

In Fresno, 10 students graduated from the program in July. Several local officials attended the ceremony, and class speaker Jesus Celis was picked up by the roofers and promoted to a supervisor role within the first week of work.

More ValleyBuild classes are forming into 2023. Visit ValleyBuild.net for information about classes and how to enroll.