On March 11, the First Annual Building Trades Council Career Fair was held at San Joaquin Building Futures Academy (SJBFA). Leaders from unions, organizations, and agencies shared their time and expertise with more than 100 SJBFA students.
“We are very excited about our new partnership,” said Sheilah Goulart, Director of YouthBuild San Joaquin. “It is a win-win for all of us.”
Goulart and organizations alike agree that this will open up the door to so many opportunities for young people and provide a pipeline to new tradespeople.
“The Building Trades looks forward to our partnership moving forward to provide career paths for your graduates in our Apprenticeship programs,” said Sam Kharufeh, Business Representative of International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers L.U.595.
SJBFA is a public school of choice for students in San Joaquin County with the exception that admission preference will be given to qualified participants of the California Conservation Corps, Local Conservation Corps, Job Corps, YouthBuild San Joaquin, and Workforce Investment Act programs. SJBFA is a high school dropout recovery program that offers grades 9-12 and serves youth ages 16-24. SJBFA utilizes a non-traditional approach to education and focuses on five key elements: completion of a high school diploma or GED, certification in a construction-related industry, leadership development and community service, on-going counseling, and post-program placement in post-secondary education, employment, military, or an apprenticeship. Academic and construction curriculum is integrated and provides multiple opportunities for hands-on experiences.
Click here to learn more about SJBFA. Click here to access photos from the event.