CVOC will prepare participants for careers in the manufacturing sector through a combination of vocational training and paid work experience. In partnership with Stanislaus Workforce Development Board, manufacturing employers and CVOC. Participants who complete short-term, certificate programs will transition into paid work experience placements with local partner employers. CVOC will leverage existing federal and state training funds to cover participants' training costs. This project will expand work-based learning opportunities for low-income individuals, including farmworkers and their dependents.

The Manufacturers Council of the Central Valley (MCCV) will partner with Stanislaus Partners in Education (SPIE) to host The North Valley Manufacturing Summit. The summit will leverages existing partnerships, resources, and assets to execute a high-impact convening serving Stanislaus County stakeholders and partners. The event will convene manufacturing employers, students, and ecosystem partners in Stanislaus County and deliver high-impact programming. The Summit is designed to increase community access to and awareness of the manufacturing industry.

CUSD is partnering with HSSR Enterprises, Inc. to plan and implement a Student Run Manufacturing Enterprise (SRME) at Ceres High School, within the award-winning MPGT Academy. This initiative will assist CUSD in offering students authentic work experience in manufacturing and this proposal directly aligns with the grant focus to develop and expand work-based learning that prepares students in Stanislaus County for manufacturing careers. During the grant cycle, connections and collaboration with local industry will continue to be developed to ensure lasting partnerships that result in a local talent pipeline for the region’s manufacturing industry.

MJC’s Workforce Development Department proposes to develop and launch an Industry & Trades Professional Advancement Toward Career Horizons (PATCH) program, modeled after the successful Healthcare PATCH initiative. During the grant period, the program will prepare ten adult learners for careers in advanced manufacturing through a three-phase model: 1) a 60-hour training program with embedded industry-recognized certifications and wraparound support; 2) a closed cohort where students complete 6-9 college credits toward MJC’s Maintenance Operator Certificate; and 3) a paid pre-apprenticeship program with local manufacturing employers. Following the grant period, the PATCH program will be sustained through program-based contracts.

CAPS, in partnership with Modesto City Schools (MCS), will expand its Sustainability Specialist Registered Apprenticeship and internship program and launch a pre-apprenticeship program for Title I high school students in Stanislaus County. Students will receive paid, hands-on training in facility operations, HVAC, engineering, and sustainability careers that support the regional manufacturing sector. The project will also engage 2+ additional districts and up to 3 employer partners. By identifying manufacturing-aligned stackable credentials and expanding industry-aligned learning, this project strengthens talent pipelines and promotes equitable access to living-wage careers across the county’s skilled trades and manufacturing ecosystem.

Machine operators are the most vulnerable to automation while being the lowest compensated, yet bring a wealth of experience to manufacturing. VOLT proposes expanding its Fast Track program to reskill 50 machine operators into automation roles supporting in as few as 13 weeks. The flexible, accelerated program equips participants with electro-mechanical troubleshooting, PLCs, VFDs, robotics, and sensor technologies, leading to up to five SACA Silver and Gold certifications. The program will build a pipeline of skilled talent for in-demand automation-supporting occupations through employer partnerships. The program will have a 90% industry placement rate and average wage of $29/hour.