By JoAnn Fields – Contributing Writer
San Diego, CA: On Thursday, July 2nd, 2015 students enrolled in the Urban League of San Diego County PATHWAYS program interested in a career in the construction industry began the process to enter the San Diego, CA: On Thursday, July 2nd, 2015 students enrolled in the Urban League of San Diego County PATHWAYS program interested in a career in the construction industry began the process to enter the San Diego Associate General Contractors (AGC) Apprenticeship Program.
The (AGC) Apprenticeship Program is designed to meet the needs of open shop contractors who want to train apprentices on State of California public works projects and private construction projects throughout California. The program has been approved by the State Division of Apprenticeship Standards and Federal Department of Labor for the following trade classifications: carpenter, cement mason, drywall lather, drywall finisher, heavy equipment operator, painter, and laborer. The program offers practical on-the-job-training combined with classroom instruction.
The duration of the program is between 2-4 years, depending upon the craft. Upon successful completion, apprentices graduate and are awarded certificates by the AGC and the state. These completion certificates are recognized by the industry as valid indicators that an apprentice has completed training that meets industry standards of occupational proficiency.
Kea Hagen, Director of Administration and Programs, Urban League of San Diego County states, “We are proud of the partnerships we have in the San Diego community. Our connection with AGC has benefitted many of the students and young adults that we serve. We appreciate the opportunities that they have offered thru their Apprenticeship Training Program.”
Mrs. Jackie Reed, Opportunity Coach, PATHWAYS, “I am excited for our students. This is the start of a great career in the construction industry. AGC Apprenticeship is a paid training that has a starting rate of $18 an hour plus fringe benefits that include health benefits and contributions into a 401 K retirement plan. We look forward to their successful completion of the training.”
For more information regarding the PATHWAYS Initiative, call the Urban League of San Diego at (619) 266-6237 or visit the Urban League office located at 720 Gateway Center Drive, San Diego, 92102, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
PATHWAYS is a youth-centered approach to providing educational and stabilization support to Opportunity Youth (ages 16-21 who are disconnected from education, training and employment) to obtain high school credentials, post-secondary certifications, and living wage jobs. Urban League of San Diego County’s (ULSDC) newest project is to provide case management services to youth at the Youth Re-Engagement Center, a collaboration with the San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD) and the San Diego Youth Development Office’s PATHWAYS initiative.
