At the Northern California Construction Training Center in Sacramento County, you can find a number of probationers hard at work learning new crafts. And over the sound of hammers and buzz saws, a four-letter word is frequently heard. That word is H-O-P-E.

For many of those taking part in this career training, it’s the first time they’ve  had any hope in a long, long time — thanks to a joint program created by the Sacramento County Probation Department, County Office of Education and the nonprofit Northern California Construction Training (NCCT).

Established in late 2013, this nine-month program offers participants an opportunity to learn skills in a variety of trades, including carpentry, electrical, cement work, plumbing, painting, landscaping and forklift operation. For those jobs that require a high school diploma, the program also provides participants with on-site classroom instruction in order to earn their GED. The majority of program expenses are covered by AB 109 funding.

Jake Meehan is the Vice President of the Training Center, and calls the partnership with County Probation and Office of Education “a perfect fit.”

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