By Kris Lovekin

The San Bernardino Community College District (SBCCD) recently won three grants totaling $20 million from the California Workforce Development Board to expand career training programs in the areas of water, health, logistics, trucking, and energy-utility line clearance.

“Thanks to the partnership with the California Workforce Investment Board, our community members will have more opportunities and access to better-paying jobs, paving the way for a brighter future for them and their families,” said Chancellor Diana Z. Rodriguez of the San Bernardino Community College District.

SBCCD was awarded two $8 million High Road Training Partnership grants and a $4 million High Road Construction Careers grant. Programs include apprenticeships for truck driving, training for the building trades, training for tree trimmers (for clearing around utility lines) and classes developing living wage to high wage workers in the fields of water, logistics and healthcare.

“By working collaboratively with industry, we can ensure that our students have access to the latest knowledge, skills, and techniques and are well-positioned to succeed in the workplace,” said Dr. Nohemy Ornelas, Vice Chancellor of Educational and Student Support Services at the San Bernardino Community College District. “This grant represents an exciting opportunity to strengthen our partnerships and build a more dynamic local and regional workforce,” she said.

Deanna Krehbiel, Executive Director of the Economic Development & Corporate Training Division at the San Bernardino Community College District, expressed enthusiasm for collaborating with regional community colleges throughout the state of California, including one located in Northern California. “Together, we will work towards cultivating a more resilient and dynamic workforce, better equipped to navigate the challenges of a rapidly-evolving job market,” Krehbiel said.

For instance, in the High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) $4 million project, the funds will help create the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) apprenticeship readiness programs to prepare individuals headed for the building trades or to work as truck drivers, Krehbiel said.

The community colleges will offer training that can lead to union-sponsored apprenticeship programs for hands-on practice.

Explore apprenticeships, career training, and technical skills at San Bernardino Valley College.

Explore apprenticeships, career training and technical skills at Crafton Hills College.

For employers who want to do more employee training, visit SBCCD's Economic Development & Corporate Training Division.