Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board (SBCWDB) celebrates the graduation of its latest and largest cohort from the High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) pre-apprenticeship program. The comprehensive, no-cost initiative equips residents of Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo Counties with the necessary skills and connections before embarking on apprenticeship training, and ultimately a career in the building and construction trades.

A significant highlight of this cohort is the increased participation of women entering the traditionally male-dominated construction industry. This important shift shows the SBCWDB’s commitment to fostering diversity and inclusion within the trades.

“This was an amazing career opportunity for me,” said Lois Person-Effinger, a recent HRCC graduate. “There are so many variations of construction [within the program] ... electrical, plumbing, carpentry, so I feel like it has something for everyone.”

As the industry continues to evolve, programs like HRCC are paving the way for a more inclusive and skilled workforce. With its emphasis on equity, opportunity, and real-world career connections, the initiative is changing individual lives while strengthening local communities. The Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board continues to expand access to high-quality career pathways, ensuring that anyone with the drive to succeed has the tools and support to build a future in the trades.

Learn more about this program and how you can get started today at https://www.tricountyhrcc.org/.

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About Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board
The Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board (SBCWDB) is dedicated to serving the workforce needs of businesses, adults, laid-off workers and youth throughout Santa Barbara County. The SBCWDB is a public/private partnership created by the Federal Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act and is staffed by the County of Santa Barbara. For information about Santa Barbara County Workforce Development Board, go to www.sbcwdb.org.

For Federal Funding Disclosure visit https://workforceventuracounty.org/about-us/funding/