SELMA, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) recognized 16 students graduating from the Central Valley Training Center (CVTC) in Selma, marking an important workforce development milestone. With this class, the program has now delivered more than 100,000 hours of hands-on training for Central Valley residents preparing for careers in the construction trades.

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The celebration, held at the Selma Arts Center, featured graduates, families, community leaders, and project partners. The CVTC program, launched in 2020, is a cornerstone of the Authority’s commitment to developing a skilled workforce while advancing construction on the nation’s first high-speed rail system.

Building Careers Through Training

Central Valley Deputy Regional Director Toni Tinoco emphasized the broader impact of the program, saying:

“This program is built on the unique stories of each student and reflects California’s commitment to economic prosperity through good-paying infrastructure jobs. With more than 15,800 construction jobs already created on the project, the Authority continues to invest in workforce opportunities for men and women throughout the Central Valley.”

Among the graduates was Whitney King of Fresno, one of only two women in the 18th cohort, who shared her excitement about pursuing a future in transportation construction.

“Transportation is the backbone of America, and I’ve been wanting to get into transportation by working with high-speed rail. This program has given me the opportunity to learn different skills and a wide range of experience – like construction basics, electrical and sheet metal – that I will hopefully take to a future job on a high-speed rail construction site.”

King said she is already encouraging others to apply.

“There’s so much that you can gain from the program in regards to the skills, the networking, the exposure, the experience, the certificates – it really truly is a blessing to be able to have this program.”

Meeting Workforce Needs

The training center introduces students to 10 different construction trades—including ironwork, carpentry, roofing, and masonry—while also providing industry-recognized certifications to prepare them for immediate employment.

Will Oliver, President and CEO of the Fresno Economic Development Corporation, praised the achievement:

“Reaching 100,000 training hours is more than a milestone, it’s proof that CVTC graduates are gaining the skills local employer’s demand. These hours are translating into real work in the field, supporting projects that strengthen our economy while answering the call for a skilled workforce.”

To date, 284 students have graduated from the CVTC program, supported through 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 Construction Progress

Work on the 171-mile stretch of the high-speed rail project from Merced to Bakersfield continues at full pace, with nearly 70 miles of guideway completed and 58 major structures finished, while 29 more are under construction across Madera, Fresno, Kings, and Tulare counties.

Statewide, 463 miles of the planned 494-mile system between San Francisco and Los Angeles/Anaheim are fully environmentally cleared and ready for construction. Since breaking ground, the project has created more than 15,800 jobs, the majority filled by Central Valley residents, with up to 1,700 workers reporting to construction sites daily.

Investing in People and Communities

The Authority emphasizes that the training center is not just about building the nation’s first high-speed rail line—it’s about investing in local communities by providing pathways into well-paying union careers. For many students like King, the CVTC represents a life-changing opportunity to gain skills, certifications, and a foothold in a growing industry.

Originally reported by California High Speed rail Authority.