TRAINING & EDUCATION ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– by how VCT was enriching the skilled and trained workforce in the community. He explored with Bruce VCT’s experience of get- ting an apprenticeship program approved. This effort is even more critical since the passage of California AB566 – a new California law that requires 30% of labor on cer- tain projects to have graduated from an apprenticeship program. This prompted many California construction trades to reach out to different organizations and schools to implement apprentice- ship programs, Barton said. In fact, it spurred Russell to explore VCT’s program, with guidance from Sam Bruce, who met with other contractors and college per- sonnel to share VCT’s process. As a result, Russell nominated VCT for the UpSkill Tulare Country Award, which was presented in recognition of the essential effort and information shared by VCT. The award is given by the Tulare County Workforce Investment Board (TCWIB). TCWIB’s goal is to grow skills and talent for the workforce of Tulare County. Vice Mayor Link wrote in his let- ter, “Forming a registered appren- ticeship program through the U.S. Department of Labor that connects instruction with relevant, hands- on experience for your employees is demonstrating a clear commit- ment to investing in your work- force and g r o w i n g the skills and knowl- edge base of our citi- zens, and the com- munity and e c o n o m y is better for it. The City The UpSkill Tulare County Award was pre- sented to (L to R) John Martinho, Debbi Barton and Sam Bruce of Visalia Ceramic Tile to recognize the company for being a quality employer in the community. The list of UpSkill Honorees. Visit our website today www.tile-assn.com Connect with us on social media 54 TileLetter | November 2018