OAKLAND, CA — In a bold step toward expanding access to union careers, Laney College—part of the Peralta Community College District—is offering students a direct pathway into high-demand construction trades through a new pre-apprenticeship program. Developed in partnership with the Alameda County Building Trades Council (ACBTC) and the Construction Trades Workforce Initiative (CTWI), the program is already transforming lives and strengthening ties between education and labor.
Funded by the High Road Construction Careers (HRCC) initiative, the program uses the nationally recognized Multi-Craft Core Curriculum (MC3) to deliver hands-on training in carpentry, layout, and electrical work. Students also earn critical certifications, including OSHA10, First Aid/CPR, and the MC3 credential—making them job-ready for union apprenticeships.
“This program is a powerful example of what happens when education and labor come together to invest in people,” said Dr. Tammeil Gilkerson, Chancellor of the Peralta Community College District. “We are proud to be building a pipeline that not only prepares students for meaningful careers, but also strengthens our local workforce and supports union values.”
Beyond technical skills, students receive personalized career guidance from industry professionals, helping them chart a clear path toward employment in the trades. The results speak for themselves: 18 students graduated in May 2025, followed by 22 more in July. All graduates have been referred to union trades such as Bricklayers Local 3 and Electrical Workers Local 595, as well as union-signatory contractors, including Gill’s Electric and Tulum Engineering.
In one standout success, three Laney students with MC3 credentials were able to bypass the entrance exam for the Alameda County Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee (JATC), advancing directly to the interview stage—a major step toward securing union apprenticeships.
“This is exactly the kind of opportunity our students deserve,” said Dr. Becky Opsata, President of Laney College. “They’re gaining real-world skills, earning respected certifications, and stepping into careers that offer stability, dignity, and union protection. It’s a win for our students, our community, and the labor movement.”
Alejandria Tomas, Dean of Career & Technical Education at Laney College, added, “This partnership is more than training—it’s a bridge. We’re opening doors for our students to step into the trades with skills, confidence, and a clear path into a good career.“
As the program continues to grow, Peralta leaders hope it will serve as a model for other districts looking to build stronger bridges between education and union careers.