Free classes look at union construction jobs

The Hanna Boys Center in Sonoma has partnered with the North Bay TIP (Trade Introduction Program) to present a series of tuition-free classes that will introduce participants to an apprenticeship in the many building and construction trades. The program is open to anyone regardless of Hanna affiliation, gender, experience or age provided that participant will be 18 years old by the final class on Aug. 4.

Registration for a mandatory online Zoom orientation is open now.

This marks the first time Hanna has hosted the TIP program and Hanna Vocational Training Program Director David Yale said, “You have to provide opportunities for people to learn about themselves and find a pathway towards a living wage in life. By bringing the TIP conference here to Hanna we’re lowering the barrier to entry even more to our own students and local community. That makes a tangible, real difference in these kids’ lives.”

North Bay TIP is a certificated apprenticeship readiness program that will introduce attendees to apprenticeships in the many building and construction trades. It is intended to increase student’s skills in construction math, drafting, drawing, work readiness and job safety while developing relationships within the North Bay Building Trades industry. It seeks to help participants become more viable candidates for union apprenticeships. Those interested are free to come to an orientation before deciding if they want to sign-up for the program, however it is helpful to sign-up for an orientation so class leaders know how many attendees to expect.

Since this program is a preparation for apprenticeship in the trades, and with the current situation, COVID vaccination is a requirement, and documentation of this will be requested. Boosters are suggested.

The conference is a concentrated all daytime class schedule from July 11 to Aug. 4, with stipends possible for low-income participants. For more information, visit learnaconstructionjob.org or contact Hanna’s Communications and Content Manager Don Lewis at dlewis@hannacenter.org.