“Build California is not just job


placements; we help with scholarships, childcare stipends, transportation costs, and internships. We’ve even helped people get their driver’s


licenses. With this momentum that we are building, the bigger it gets, I can see a lot more people being successful in this


this industry.” – Cecilia Pa om


Supportive Services Manager


Cecilia Palomera,, B ppor ve Se


ices Ma Build C


d California er


the outreach and culture component we have been able to host quarterly Women in Construction forums, and we provide resources and opportunities for mentor- ship, training, and a platform to discuss jobsite challenges.”


Success Stories Becerra noted that the results are tan- gible and go well beyond engagement. “Tird period apprentice, Shelly Shar-


er, from the Bakersfield area, has shared that the childcare stipend has ‘turned her whole world around,’” Becerra said. “She is a single mother of five children who, prior to this grant and joining our program, was on welfare and living month to month.” Sharer currently works for AWP Safety,


performing traffic control work. “She is earning a living wage and has health ben- efits for herself and family,” said Becerra. In another example, Becerra shared the success story of Sandra Molina, a sixth-period apprentice from the Los Angeles area who is currently working for Ace Fence Company. “Sandra has shown nothing but grit


and determination. She is also a single mother of three children and a sec- ond-time recipient of the ERiCA child- care stipend,” Becerra said. “She shared recently that her goal is to buy a home for her family. She worked around the clock on the Eaton Fire cleanup work, saved her money, and is very close to achieving her goal. “Sandra shared with me that ‘I couldn’t have done it without all the support. I am so grateful for the ERiCA funding because it has made my load as a single mother a bit lighter,’” Becerra said. “Te ERiCA grant is critical for reten-


tion, recruitment, and continual support services,” Becerra added. “We were in dire need of this type of funding and are hopeful that it will continue.”


8


CALIFORNIA CONSTRUCTOR SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2026


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