Graduates from the April 2025 graduating cohort stand beaming in front of a backdrop of partner logos, all wearing PPE vests.

PHOTO RELEASE: Central Valley Training Center Surpasses 250 Graduates to Complete Pre-Apprenticeship Program

April 4, 2025

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: Established in 2020, the Central Valley Training Center has provided pre-apprenticeship training to more than 250 individuals, combining hands-on instruction from journeyman-level professionals to prepare participants for high-quality careers in the construction trades.

SELMA, Calif. –The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) today recognized 16 more students to complete the Central Valley Training Center (CVTC) pre-apprenticeship program located in the city of Selma, surpassing 250 program graduates since it first began in 2020.

Ian Choudri, Authority CEO

“These graduates represent more than individual achievement — they are a sign of what’s possible when we invest in people and in California’s future. The Central Valley Training Center is not just preparing workers for careers in construction; it’s helping build a skilled, local workforce that will power the nation’s first high-speed rail system. This is how we create lasting opportunity, drive innovation, and deliver real benefits to communities across the state.”

The CVTC is a 10-week pre-apprenticeship program located in the city of Selma that introduces students to 10 different construction trades. Students work hands-on with journeyman-level workers from various fields like ironworkers, carpenters, roofers and cement masons and others. While doing so, they work to complete several construction-related certifications to take with them as they enter their new careers.

Student Philip Holzberger of Parlier, California learned of the program from his grandmother. Now that he has completed the program, he is interested in becoming an electrician.

Philip Holzberger, Central Valley Training Center graduate

“My favorite activity was learning from the electricians. It was exciting to learn more about what they deal with, the tools they use, and the math needed. The program was more than expected. We learned something new every day.”

The CVTC is a program in partnership with the Authority, the Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare Building Trades Council, Fresno Economic Development Corporation, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and the city of Selma.

“The Central Valley Training Center provides students the tools necessary to build successful construction industry careers. In many cases, it provides opportunities for them to join our construction team building the first fully electric high-speed rail system in the nation.”

-Garth Fernandez, Central Valley Regional Director

Within the Central Valley, 5,026 jobs have been filled by workers from Fresno County, 2,763 from Kern County, 1,602 from Tulare County, 712 from Madera County, 548 from Kings County, and 227 from Merced County.

Construction of the high-speed rail project is happening every day. There are currently 171 miles under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield.

Interviews in Spanish are available upon request. For more information, contact the Authority’s media relations office at: news@hsr.ca.gov.

Se ofrecen entrevistas en Español bajo solicitud. Para obtener más información, contacte a la Oficina de Relaciones con los Medios por correo electrónico: news@hsr.ca.gov.

For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit: www.buildhsr.comExternal Link.

The following link contains recent video, animations, photography, press center resources and latest renderings: https://hsra.app.box.com/s/vyvjv9hckwl1dk603ju15u07fdfir2q8External Link

Files are all available for free use, courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority.

Build More, Faster

High-speed rail is a key part of Governor Newsom’s Build More, Faster agenda, delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating jobs throughout the state. Discover more: Build.ca.gov

Speakers Bureau

The California High-Speed Rail Authority Speakers Bureau is managed by the Communications Office and provides informational presentations on the High-Speed Rail Program.

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Contact

Ramiro Diaz
559-577-2246 (c)
Ramiro.Diaz@hsr.ca.gov

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