Cecilia Brito Bernal wanted to pursue a major that involved hands-on training. She enrolled at UC Davis to study electrical engineering, but felt the program wasn’t what she was looking for.
“I began exploring options and chose to obtain an associate in science in electrical and electronics technology at DVC. I wanted to be the first woman in my family to enter the field,” said Brito Bernal.
Brito Bernal is aware there has been increased interest in careers in skilled trades – occupations that often involve hands-on work involving a particular skill set, knowledge or ability.
“Younger students may find that they enjoy learning through hands-on training and experience. Also, committing to a four-year degree program may be difficult for some students,” said Brito Bernal.
Brito Bernal is a first-generation college student, which made it a bit more challenging to get started on her educational path.
“DVC helped me recognize I belonged in this field. There were times I doubted my decision but now I’m motivated to go above and beyond. DVC encourages you to push yourself. I had a fantastic experience and am grateful for all of the help. I am confident in my preparation and ready because of DVC,” said Brito Bernal.
A Renewed Interest in the Trades
“While there is still interest in technology-related fields, more and more students recognize this doesn’t exclude work in the skilled trades. In fact, this may be a key driver,” said Shawn Kammerer, Assistant Professor of Construction Management and Pre-Apprenticeship and Apprenticeship Program Coordinator at DVC.
Kammerer says that primarily software-driven jobs will be more heavily impacted by artificial intelligence, whereas advancements in construction and related industries will never replace the need for skilled trades workers.
“This means that job security is shifting away from purely software-related jobs, and moving toward hands-on careers,” said Kammerer.
Daniel Vigil was in the U.S. Navy, developing skills in the construction trades before coming to DVC.
“I was part of the United States Naval Construction Battalions and was stationed in San Diego, where my job site was the public works of the area’s naval bases. I worked with a group of civilian construction managers,” said Daniel Vigil.
His work with the U.S. Navy inspired him to pursue an associate in science degree in construction management at DVC.
“I think that there is an increased interest in a career in the trades due to the money, because once you become a journeyman, the pay is very enticing. Also, the work you do is everywhere. Construction is always happening and there is always a need for skilled workers,” said Vigil.
Vigil encourages students to pursue higher education, especially at DVC, where the cost is much lower than four-year institutions.
“My time at DVC is a good investment of my time because all the things that I have learned can be applied to many different industries,” said Vigil.
Kammerer reports strong outcomes for students graduating from DVC’s construction and pre-apprenticeship programs. Partnerships with piping trade unions UA Local 342 and UA Local 159 have resulted in many DVC pre-apprenticeship students joining one of their apprenticeship programs.
“We also partner with Habitat for Humanity, and some of our students have been hired after they complete the program. And this semester, we’ve been working with FORMA Construction and Roof and Realm,” said Kammerer.
No Bachelor’s Degree? No Problem
“Until recently, students sometimes resisted getting into the trades, as there had been a push for every student to get a four-year bachelor’s degree. Many students have grown impatient with the lack of job opportunities they see for graduates who have accumulated breathtaking amounts of debt,” said Dr. Jeffrey Smith, Department Chair, Industrial Design & Advanced Manufacturing at DVC.
By attending DVC, students have the advantage of acquiring the skills, knowledge, and hands-on learning experience to pursue a trade occupation while also earning transferable college credits that can be applied to a bachelor’s degree. In fact, the support and connections available through DVC faculty and student services can help students to be even more successful.
Smith feels the reality is that many students want hands-on jobs where they can see a direct correlation between their work and the goods being produced, and these kinds of jobs can be obtained with a certificate or associate degree from DVC.
“We now see traditional engineers seeking work as technicians servicing high-tech equipment or programming robotics manufacturing equipment, as these jobs can be very well-paying,” said Smith.
Employers Choose DVC for Skills Training
DVC has embraced a new cohort model for certain programs that not only support students interested in getting into the workforce, but that also supports employers enrolling their employees for upskilling opportunities.
“Having employers enroll their new employees into DVC’s Industrial Automation and Robotics classes has changed the educational landscape. Seeing local high school graduates getting paid to take classes at DVC by their employers, often with jobs that provide full medical benefits, is truly impressive,” said Smith.
Smith reports that several employers have partnered with DVC, including C&H Sugar, Autodesk, PepsiCo, Tesla, and Benchmark Electronics.
“We have a huge training gap facing American manufacturing. Employers are calling out for educational institutions to develop today’s mechanics, machinists, model makers, and more. We need these folks now,” said Greg King, Engineering Manager with Benchmark Electronics.
King says manufacturers need students to begin their training in the trades while in high school, enabling those skills to be refined at community colleges like DVC, or on the job through an apprenticeship program.
King first got to know DVC as a student, studying engineering. After transferring to earn his bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and gaining industry experience, he came back to DVC to upskill.
“I earned an associate in science in small business management, while also completing some engineering technology courses. During that time, I collaborated with Jeffrey Smith on developing design challenges for engineering technology students. Since then, I’ve posted job openings with Benchmark, participated in DVC career fairs, given tours of Benchmark’s manufacturing facility, and more,” said King.
Long-Term Career Growth and Opportunity
When exploring careers in the trades, students are often impressed with both the available wages and strength of the job market.
“In DVC’s electrical and electronics technology program, we have strong success outcomes, with over 85% of our graduates securing related employment or apprenticeships,” said Manual Covarrubias, Assistant Professor and Area Lead for the Electricity/Electronics and Energy Systems Programs.
Covarrubias is proud of the industry partnerships DVC has cultivated. He says Tesla, UPS, BART, NextEra Energy, Varian, and Seimens choose DVC for training and employee recruitment due to the college’s state-of-the-art tools, equipment, relevant facilities, and industry-experienced instructors.
“Employers say DVC students arrive ready to contribute from day one. They see the significant growth in the students’ capabilities, and really value the technical skills our students possess,” said Covarrubias.
Fast Track to Employment
Diego Becerra earned an associate in science in electrical and electronics technology from DVC in August 2024. He credits the program for helping him transition into a youth worker position with the City of Richmond electric shop as a field technician.
“As it was my first field job, I did not expect the work to be so similar to what I had been taught. I realized how well DVC had set me up success,” said Becerra.
Becerra strongly encourages students curious about trade occupations to consider enrolling at DVC.
“I really feel that my education at DVC was valuable. I was able to build relationships and make connections that led to apprenticeships and multiple job opportunities upon graduation,” said Becerra.
For more information about skilled trades training at DVC, visit:
Why Choose a Career in the Trades?
- Job Demand and Stability
- High Earnings Potential Without High Student Debt
- Hands-On Learning and Practical Experience
- Career Satisfaction
- Opportunities for Entrepreneurship
- Better Work-Life Balance
Train for the Trades at DVC!
If you enjoy hands-on learning and want to get on the fast-track to a well-paying career, consider training for a trade occupation at DVC!
- Construction
- Electrical and Electronics Technology
- Engineering Technology
- HVACR (Apprenticeship – Selective Admissions)
- Industrial Design
- Plumbing (Apprenticeship – Selective Admissions)
- Pre-Apprenticeship
- Steamfitting (Apprenticeship – Selective Admissions)
