Benjamin Goldstein, dean of the new Construction Training Center in Petaluma, says learning framing and carpentry are the important first steps toward careers in construction. [Duncan Garrett Photography]
and become familiar with how the office works, how to conduct project estimations, learn about human resources, and so on. “We are also committed to teaching these students soft skills such as being reliable, showing up for work on time, how to communicate effectively, writing resumes and polishing interview skills,” says Weinzveg. “A session is also given on how to read a set of construction plans and the understanding of construction math. For their overall financial literacy education, we also explain the importance of banking and the responsible use of credit cards.” Virtually all high schools in
North Bay Construction Corps Weinzveg oversees the North Bay Construction Corps, a construction training program started by North Coast Builders Exchange in 2017. North Bay Construction Corps (NBCC) is an eight-week course that meets on Saturdays for eight hours of hands-on experience. High school students receive a well- rounded, intensive course in the trades, learning electrical and plumbing skills, concrete work, heavy equipment operation and more. They also get certifications in CPR and the use of power tools. Because college is not an option or a goal for many high school students, the training is increasingly popular with young people eager to learn a trade that pays well in a reasonable amount of time. “The stigma around not attending college is starting to go away,” says Weinzveg. “North Bay Construction Corps has graduated more than 200 students since 2017, even with the pandemic pause. The program has a very high graduation rate of 90%, and that’s higher than the graduation rate among our local high schools.” She says the program graduated 75 students in 2023, compared to just 36 in 2022. “Through some really targeted outreach to our high schools, we have doubled our numbers, and this year we have 82 students in the program.” Upon graduation, students may end up with jobs that are paid through a company, with starting wages at $18 to $20 per hour. Through their employers they get not only hands-on trade experience, but they also get exposed to the entire company
Sonoma County participate in the program, including some alternative schools and private schools. After a hiatus for the pandemic, the program was restarted in Mendocino County last year when state Sen. Mike McGuire procured $1 million in workforce development funds to expand the program to offer instruction in the inland county as well as on the coast. NBCC is not funded indefinitely, adds Weinzveg, but the builders exchange is committed to keeping it going for many years to come. Donations from the more than
Nicollette Weinzveg of North Coast Builders Exchange.
54 NorthBaybiz
July 2024
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