LA-26: BuildUP: Upskilling for the Future of Building and Construction Trades

Pathways Improvement Scope

SoCal ROC’s BuildUP project will strengthen and expand Building and Construction Trades pathways across its six South Bay JPA partner districts, with a focus on modernizing hands-on training and preparing students for evolving industry needs. The project will enhance existing Electrical, Plumbing, HVAC, Welding, and related construction programs while developing a new General Construction pathway. Improvements include updated industry-standard equipment and curriculum, integration of emerging technologies and AI awareness, increased dual enrollment and articulation with El Camino College and Los Angeles Harbor College, and expanded middle school career exploration. Partnerships with labor, workforce, and industry will also provide pre-apprenticeships, apprenticeships, internships, job shadowing, and other “earn-and-learn” experiences.

Goals & Priorities

The primary goals are to increase equitable access, participation, and completion in high-wage Building and Construction Trades pathways while creating stronger K–14 and workforce pipelines. Priorities include addressing significant CTE completion and college/career readiness gaps among disproportionately impacted students; increasing pathway enrollment and completion; ensuring students receive individualized career planning and counseling; expanding college-credit and A–G-approved coursework; and providing all pathway students access to pre-apprenticeship and work-based learning opportunities. The project also prioritizes stronger alignment with community colleges, unions, and employers so students can transition more seamlessly from high school CTE into college programs, industry certifications, apprenticeships, and high-wage careers.