Business & Tech
SBCWDB Celebrates Highest Ever Number of Graduates of HRCC Program
Empowering Tri-County residents with no-cost pathways into skilled trades
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.”
Find out what's happening in Santa Barbarafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
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/.
Find out what's happening in Santa Barbarafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
###
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/
