Q: What courses are available?
A: Craft Training is currently available for Electrical, Carpentry, and Plumbing. However, other courses open for enrollment based on market demand. All enrollments are on’ a first come, first serve basis until the class has reached its capacity.
Q: When are the courses?
A: Typically courses are in the evenings and run from the end of August through Mid-December and then the end of January through Mid-May similar to a traditional Fall/Spring semester schedule.
Q: What does it take to get enrolled?
A: To become enrolled in a Craft Training course an individual must complete the application packet, pass a drug screen (referrals issued provide proof of High School diploma or GED and pay the course fees.
Q: How long is the typical Craft Training Program?
A: 4 Years in total length.
Q: Do I have to enroll in all 4 years?
A: Enrollments are taken on a semester by semester basis.
Q: How is the program structured?
A: Each course is a prerequisite to the next (starting with 1A) and must be successfully completed before advancing to the next course.
Q: If I have been working in the field can I challenge a course?
A: Yes. The SBE Trade School requires 3rd party written verification of at least 1,040 hours of in-field experience per semester course challenged. Challenges are not allowed for more than 50% of the program.
Q: When is the next course open for enrollment?
A: Prior to each semester the determination whether or not to offer a beginning level 1 course is evaluated based on the availability of instructors, number of students interested in pursuing a career, and whether we can reasonably expect the students in the program to be employed. To learn what courses are currently open for enrollment please contact the Trade School directly at 530-222-1917.
Q: Does the SBE Trade School help students to find employment?
A: Yes. The Shasta Builders Exchange consists of hundreds of member contractors encompassing 6 northern counties. While employment is not guaranteed, many contractors contact the SBE Trade School when they are looking to hire a new employee. We recommend using the Smart Center in Redding, CalJobs website and Indeed.com for posting resumes and job searches.
www.thesmartcenter.biz
www.caljobs.ca.gov
www.indeed.com
Q: Is there hands-on experience included in the course?
A: Absolutely, construction is a hands-on career. The SBE Trade School has a 2,000 square foot lab that is stocked with a wide array of tools and materials.
Q: What does it take to pass a course?
A: You must take and pass all exams. Typically, for each chapter there is a written and hands-on performance exam that must be passed before you can successfully complete the course. A passing score for the written exam is 75% or better while the performance exams are rated on a pass or fail basis. In addition to grades, all students must maintain excellent attendance to successfully advance to the next semester.
Q: Does the Electrical Craft Training Program meet California requirements?
A: Yes, the SBE Trade School operates the Electrical program under Shasta Trinity ROP school number 107 and is listed on the State of California website.
Q: Can I get college credit for the Craft Training courses?
A: Yes. Because the SBE Trade School is nationally accredited students have the option of applying their successful completions towards an AA degree in Business and Industrial-Technology.
Q: Will I receive certificates?
A: Yes, the SBE Trade School is Nationally Accredited by NCCER as a construction training facility which gives students many added benefits. Students receive certificates, official transcripts and wallet cards. Courses successfully completed are transferable to other NCCER accredited facilities throughout the United States and abroad.
Q: How much do the courses cost?
A: The courses are $655 a semester. There is a payment plan option available that allows a student to make a down payment of $235 to secure a seat in the course and then three equal monthly payments of $140 with the first payment being due the third Friday of the first month after the course has begun.
Q: Are there additional costs to getting enrolled in the Craft Training Programs?
A: Yes, the student must pass a drug screen ($25) and purchase their textbooks. The drug screen is a onetime expense and the textbooks cover a full year (2 semesters) of the program text requirements. Textbooks range in price and are subject to changes made by the publisher. Currently, prices for books average $150.
Q: Is there any Federal Financial Aid available?
A: Unfortunately, not at this time. The SBE Trade School is currently in the process of obtaining the necessary approvals to be able to offer additional financing options to our students.
Q: Does the SBE Trade School accept course fees from the Department of Rehabilitation?
A: Yes, with the proper documentation and approval.
Q: Can I use my GI Bill to pay for courses?
A: Unfortunately, not at this time. There is a 20% discount on tuition for Veteran’s, currently reducing their cost by $120.00 a semester.
Q: Is there any other financial assistance available?
A: Yes! The Trade School, Shasta Builders’ Exchange Community Fund, REU (Redding Electric Utility), and other businesses and programs offer scholarships and grants designed specifically for the attendees and trainees of the Trade School.