San Bernardino County said 15 veterans graduated Oct. 14 from the second Veterans Electrical Entry Program cohort at Barstow Community College.
The county described VEEP as an intensive, five-week, 200-hour pre-apprenticeship; classroom instruction and hands-on training cover electrical safety, tools and technical concepts so participants can pursue union apprenticeships and careers in the electrical trades.
The county said Workforce Development provided funding, participant recruitment, training materials and supportive services; the program partnership includes the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, a grant by Inland Regional Energy Network, Barstow Community College, the Inland Empire Electrical Training Center, the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Locals 477 and 440, and support from Fort Irwin and Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow.
The county said VEEP is a nationwide initiative established by the IBEW and the National Electrical Contractors Association through their joint training partnership, the electrical training ALLIANCE.
Greg McMurphy of the electrical training ALLIANCE spoke at the graduation and said, "The partnership established here in Barstow is an outstanding model of collaboration, one that has the potential to be replicated across the country."
The county said keynote speaker Robert Munoz, a graduate of VEEP’s inaugural cohort, encouraged the new graduates to trust their training, learn from mistakes and build a supportive community as they start new careers.
Shannon Shannon, chair of the San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board, said, "Workforce development is about more than connecting people with jobs. It’s about building partnerships that create pathways to lasting careers." San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors Chairman and Third District Supervisor said, "Our veterans have given so much in service to our country, and we have a responsibility to help ensure they have opportunities to succeed when they return to civilian life."
The county said employers and job seekers interested in Workforce Development Board programs can call 800-451-JOBS (5627), visit the department’s website or follow @SBCWorkforce.
Local
Dawn Rowe
Supervisor, Third District, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors
Named once in this story.
Portrait: San Bernardino County (public domain)
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