Valley Build Apprenticeship Readiness Program Expands to Tulare County

We’re excited to share some big news: the Valley Build Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) Apprenticeship Readiness Program is coming to Tulare County! This program has helped prepare workers for successful careers in the building and construction trades across California—and now it's launching right here, in partnership with College of the Sequoias, Valley Build, the Fresno Madera Kings Tulare Building Trades Council, and Employment Connection.

With over 50 cohorts trained statewide over the past 16 years, Valley Build is a proven workforce initiative—and we’re proud to bring it home to serve residents in our own communities.

This seven-week, hands-on training program will kick off in January 2026 at the COS campus in Visalia. It’s designed to prepare participants for careers in the skilled trades and connect them directly to union-supported registered apprenticeships.

Participants will also:

• Earn industry-recognized certifications

• Receive a weekly stipend during the program

• Gain real-world experience through paid work opportunities aligned with their career goals

The program follows the nationally recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3), covering:

• Construction Math

• OSHA-30 Safety Certification

• CPR & First Aid

• Forklift Operation Certification

• Physical Conditioning & Aptitude Prep

• Soft Skills & Jobsite Readiness

• Career Exploration across Trades

This curriculum provides both the technical knowledge and the confidence needed to succeed in high-demand trades careers.

“This pre-apprenticeship initiative reflects our commitment to investing in high-quality training that leads to family-sustaining careers,” said Jennie Bautista, Interim Executive Director of the Workforce Investment Board of Tulare County.“By offering stipends and paid work experience, we’re lowering barriers and creating real opportunities for upward mobility in the skilled trades—advancing equity, economic opportunity, and long-term job success for our community.”

This program is all about building a pipeline of skilled, job-ready workers—and it wouldn’t be possible without strong partnerships with the trades. Participants will be introduced to a range of trades, including:

• Electricians

• Carpenters

• Ironworkers

• Plumbers/Pipefitters

• Sheet Metal Workers

• Cement Masons

• Painters

• Roofers

• Bricklayers

…and more!

How to Get Involved

Seats are limited, and we expect them to fill quickly. If you or someone you know is ready to build a career in the trades, we encourage you to register now at: www.valleybuild.net

This exciting expansion was made possible through a $768,897 grant from the High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) Resilient Workforce Fund—part of a broader $8.8 million statewide investment to improve equity and access in construction careers.

The program is led locally by the Tulare County WIB, in collaboration with College of the Sequoias, Valley Build, and Employment Connection.

We look forward to welcoming our first Tulare County MC3 cohort in January 2026 and continuing to support pathways into meaningful, high-quality careers in the skilled trades.

Let’s build something great—together.