Recruiting is under way in Kern County for its first apprenticeship readiness class under the banner of ValleyBuild, a 14-county collaboration between workforce development boards, building trades councils and other partners.

The state grant-funded program trains people for good-paying careers in the construction industry. In Kern County, officials will begin their first class Jan. 10, according to David Hudgins, Kern County Building Trades pre-apprenticeship coordinator

The six-week MC3 Pre-Apprenticeship Training Program introduces students to construction-related trades such as cement masons, iron workers, electricians, plumbers/pipefitters, operating engineers, Teamsters and painters. The in-person class meets five days a week.

The program provides essentials such as work boots, safety vests, hard hats, gloves and safety glasses. That means students can adjust to wearing that gear but won’t have to “spend that initial money to get ready,” Hudgins said.

General eligibility requirements for the class are:

• A high school diploma or GED
• Age 18 or older
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation
• Ability to pass a drug screen
• Ability to work in all kinds of weather
• Good physical condition (able to stand for eight hours and lift at least 25 pounds)
• A commitment to the full class schedule

At the end of the training class, students who succeed will have a chance to speak to the trades about apprenticeship prospects.

“I can’t guarantee you a job but I can guarantee you an opportunity,” Hudgins said.

There is a need for skilled workers in Kern County, he said. In addition, several large construction projects are on the horizon including California’s high-speed rail project and a new casino proposed south of Bakersfield.

The building and construction trades provide solid careers, Hudgins said.

“To have the opportunity for a good paying job, the opportunity for a pension, the opportunity for a health and welfare package — there is definitely a need for this,” he said.

For questions or information about the Kern County training program, contact Hudgins at (661) 912-9440 or hudginsdw@outlook.com. To register for a class, or for information about the ValleyBuild partnership, visit www.valleybuild.net.