NOVATO / KENTFIELD, CA—September 29, 2018—In response to the North Bay’s high demand for skilled construction workers, College of Marin (COM) is launching a construction training program in partnership with Canal Alliance, CareerPoint Marin, and the Marin Builders Association.
The construction training program targets entry-level employment, providing the skills for success in the construction industry. In addition to technical skills, the program will also provide job placement services and career, financial and personal support to help ensure long-term career success.
"The program was created by the College and our partners in order to provide a well-trained, highly-qualified, and diversified construction workforce that will meet the projected needs of the region,” said COM's Dean of Workforce Development and Career Education Dr. Elizabeth Pratt.
“Our collective goal is to train aspiring construction professionals specifically to ensure their long-term success,” says Pratt. “The training includes not only construction skills, but a range of other capabilities, including career readiness, financial coaching, and basic work skills.”
With an estimated class size of 20, the program lasts for seven weeks, important in preparing candidates in a timely manner.
“This program is able to leverage and support the Latino workforce, a population that is growing in Marin,” says Director of Education for Canal Alliance Gloria Estavillo. “The success of Marin’s economy depends on how we develop and utilize the unique strengths of our Latino immigrant community. In order to have a highly-skilled and well-prepared workforce, we need to create accessible educational opportunities like these for community members.”
Time is of the essence in creating opportunities, especially in the wake of the North Bay fires.
According to CareerPoint Marin's Workforce Program Manager Sherry Parr, "The number of people and businesses rebuilding translates to great opportunities for our workforce. There’s never been a better time to be in construction.”
The program, which started Tuesday, September 25, meets twice a week at Canal Alliance in San Rafael. Hands-on construction labs are held Saturdays at COM's Kentfield Campus.
For additional details about the program, visit marinadulteducation.org/e2c.
About College of Marin
Established in 1926, College of Marin remains committed to educational excellence, providing equitable opportunities, and fostering success in all members of its diverse community. With campuses in Kentfield and Novato, students of all ages have affordable access to an exciting variety of credit and noncredit courses as well as community education classes for lifelong learning. College of Marin is one of 114 public community colleges in California and approximately 13,000 credit, noncredit, and community education students enroll annually.
College of Marin is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, Western Association of Schools and Colleges, 10 Commercial Boulevard, Suite 204, Novato, CA 94949, (415) 506-0234, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the U.S. Department of Education.