WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Central Valley Training Center celebrates five years by recognizing the 19th cohort to complete the program. To date, more than 300 students have completed the 10-week pre-apprenticeship program. 

November 25, 2025 - SELMA, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Central Valley Training Center (CVTC) by recognizing 20 new graduates to complete the program. With the addition of new graduates, the CVTC has surpassed another major milestone of more than 300 students completing the pre-apprenticeship program, ready for a career in transportation.

Student Yvette Castro learned about the program thanks to a mentor’s recommendation. After learning how to work with an electrical conduit, she took the next steps to become an electrician.

I told my mentor I had zero background in construction, and she told me this program would be a good step forward, to show that I am serious about getting into the field,” said Yvette Castro, Central Valley Training Center Graduate.

When asked about what kept her through the program, she replied, “My motivation throughout this program has been my mom. Ideally, I want to be in a good spot financially to support myself and her, so she won’t have to work so hard.”

To date, more than 3,000 individuals have inquired about the CVTC program. Students are then screened, assessed and scheduled for an orientation.

“The CVTC is among my favorite initiatives in which the city of Selma participates and administers. The program offers residents of the Central Valley opportunities to bet on themselves and pursue employment in the construction trades. The program would not have been possible without the support of the California High-Speed Rail Authority and our amazing partners at the Fresno Economic Development Corporation. I am proud to support a program that offers opportunities to residents who may not have been able to participate in the job force through more traditional paths,” said Jerome Keene, Deputy City Manager for the city of Selma.

The CVTC introduces students to 10 construction trades and provides hands-on training alongside journeymen from fields such as ironwork, carpentry, roofing and masonry. Graduates also earn several industry certifications to help them enter the workforce.

The program is a partnership among the Authority, the Fresno-Madera-Kings-Tulare Building Trades Council, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and the City of Selma.

High-Speed Rail Progress

Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. More than 70 miles of guideway are complete, along with nearly 60 fully completed major structures, and 30 more structures underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

The project continues to advance statewide, with 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system fully environmentally cleared and construction ready.

Since construction began, the project has created more than 16,100 good-paying jobs—most filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.

For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit www.buildhsr.com

Source: CA. HSR