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Home › Our Work › Trades Orientation Program › FAQs
TRADES ORIENTATION PROGRAM

FAQs

Overview

Course Info

FAQs

How to Apply

Stories

Do I need construction experience?

No! Just interest and willingness to learn.

Which construction trades can TOP help me get into?

TOP provides an introduction and support in applying to all of the 24+ skilled construction trades apprenticeships that serve the South Bay. For a list of Joint Apprenticeship Training Centers that we partner with, see https://scbtc.org/training-centers/ 

Is construction just for men?

Not at all! People of all genders who want to work with their hands, learn new skills and work on a team can find great success in a construction trades apprenticeship.  See this Tradeswomen Inc. site for short videos created by women in various construction trades talking about their work: https://tradeswomen.org/various-trades/  

Do you cover electricians / plumbers / carpenters / welding / other specific trades?

TOP is a multi-craft career exploration course, so you will learn a little bit about all of the construction trades that have apprenticeship opportunities in or around Santa Clara County. That includes overviews of trades like pipefitting, cement masonry, ironworkers, carpentry, commercial and residential electricians, sheet metal and HVAC, operating engineers, roofing and waterproofing, commercial painting, construction laborers, floorlaying and many more.

The TOP class does not focus on architecture, home improvements, engineering, sales, or on getting a contractor’s license. If you are seeking one of these careers, we recommend you contact your local Community College.

Will TOP teach me to remodel my house? Will it help me find work as a handyman? 

No. This is a construction careers program. The goal of TOP is to give graduates a leg up to become a construction apprentice. You will get hands-on exposure to the different trades, but TOP does not teach you specific skills like carpentry or welding. 

Once you successfully get into a specific construction trade apprenticeship and begin work, that apprenticeship will teach you all the skills you need for that trade, through a combination of on-the-job training and supplemental classroom instruction.

Do you cover any jobs that do not require physical labor?

No. TOP is focused on skilled construction trades which perform hands-on work on construction jobsites. 

Do I need a driver’s license?

Yes, a valid California driver’s license is required for TOP. If you don’t have one now, you can still attend an application session, but you must show proof of a valid drivers’ license before you can start the program. A CA ID, passport, or other substitutes are not accepted. 

A restricted driver’s license is acceptable, as long as you are allowed to drive to school and work.

Most construction employers require a valid California driver’s license before you are allowed to start work. You should also be aware that most construction jobs start at 6 or 7 am and may be a long distance from where you live. Reliable transportation is a must for working in construction.

I am formerly incarcerated or have past convictions on my record. Can I still apply?

Yes, absolutely. TOP does not exclude anyone based on past record of involvement with the justice system, and neither do union construction apprenticeships.

I live outside of Santa Clara County. Can I still apply?

Maybe – this is on a case by case basis. If you’re interested, call or attend an information session and talk individually with the program coordinator.Keep in mind that the classes will be held in San Jose, and you are expected to attend all classes and be on time. There may be a similar program closer to where you live. Click here for a list of recommended pre-apprenticeship programs in other Bay Area counties.

I have a DACA work permit. Can I still apply?

Yes.

Can I work while participating in TOP?

Yes, many TOP participants have a part-time or full-time job while participating. Getting into a skilled trades apprenticeship can be a long process, sometimes a year or more, so it is important to be able to support yourself financially during that time.  If you need a job to pay the bills while working towards your long-term career, TOP partner work2future offers jobseeker services that all TOP participants can access.

I’m interested, but the upcoming program schedule doesn’t work for me. Can I attend just some of the classes and skip the dates that I can’t attend? Or can I just do the classes and skip the job coaching?

No. You must attend all classes in order to graduate, as well as participating in one-on-one job coaching for 12 months.

There are 3 to 4 TOP cohorts held each year. If the current schedule does not work for you, you can apply now and indicate that you would like us to hold your application for a future cohort.

Will this class prepare me for the IBEW apprenticeship test/the Plumbers test/the Sheet Metal Workers test/another apprenticeship program’s aptitude exam?

While we don’t teach directly to the test, the program includes 40 hours of basic construction math instruction which is designed to help you brush up on the types of mathematics that are needed for the apprenticeship exams, from arithmetic up through pre-algebra and basic geometry. We also have a partnership with Campbell Adult Community Education (CACE) to provide additional apprenticeship math test prep to participants who want to go beyond the initial 40 hours.

You will also learn and practice interviewing techniques. Nearly every construction apprenticeship requires you to interview, either with the apprenticeship staff or with prospective employers. TOP will give you exposure to the unique aspects of construction industry interviews and help you to practice and gain confidence.

Have a different question? Email topteam@wpusa.org.

Looking for general info on construction careers and apprenticeship programs? Visit calapprenticeship.org.

Similar Programs in Other Regions

The Trades Orientation Program is available to people who live or work in Santa Clara County, California.

If you live in San Mateo County: Contact the San Mateo County Union Community Alliance to learn how to apply to the Trades Introduction Program (TIP). You can also contact tipteam@wpusa.org.

If you live in Alameda County: Go to cypressmandela.org or call 510-208-7350 to learn about the pre-apprenticeship courses offered at the Cypress Mandela Training Center.

If you live in Santa Cruz, Monterey, or San Benito County: Go to apprenticeprep.org to learn about the Tri-County Apprenticeship Preparation course.

If you live in San Francisco: Go to oewd.org/city-build or call 415-701-4817 and ask about the CityBuild Academy.

If you live in Richmond, San Pablo, Berkeley or Emeryville: Call 510-621-1780 or go to ci.richmond.ca.us/1243/RichmondBUILD to learn about the RichmondBUILD program.

If you live in the North Bay (Marin, Napa, Lake, Sonoma or Solano counties): Visit https://learnaconstructionjob.org/ to find out about the North Bay Trades Introduction Program (TIP).

If you live in the Central Valley (Fresno, San Joaquin, Madera, Tulare, Kings, Stanislaus, Merced, Mariposa, Tuolumne, Kern, Inyo, or Mono County): Visit https://valleybuild.net/ to learn about the ValleyBuild pre-apprenticeship program.

If you live elsewhere in California: Go to calapprenticeship.org to find contacts for apprenticeship programs in your area.

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🚨 Join us next Wednesday, July 23, for an infor 🚨 Join us next Wednesday, July 23, for an informative Worker's Rights Training hosted by the Fair Workplace Collaborative! ⁠
⁠
You will:⁠
📣 Learn about labor rights in your workplace⁠
🔎 How to identify and report wage theft ⁠
🧊 What to do if ICE shows up at your workplace⁠
⁠
We will also provide:⁠
🍴 Free food⁠
👶 Free child supervision⁠
🎟️ Raffle off $100 gift card⁠
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👉️ Register by clicking the link in our bio!🔗⁠
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🚨 ¡Los esperamos el proximo viernes, 23 de Julio, para un taller informativo de los derechos laborales cual fue organizado por el Fair Workplace Collaborative!⁠
⁠
Acompañanos Para:⁠
📣 Aprender mas sobre tus derechos laborales en su trabajo⁠
🔎 Como identificar y denunciar el robo de salario⁠
🧊 Que hacer si llega ICE a tu trabajo⁠
⁠
Tendremos:⁠
🍴 Comida Gratis⁠
👶 Supervisión gratuita para niños⁠
🎟️ Una rifa de una targeta de $100⁠
⁠
👉️ ¡Regístrate haciendo clic en nuestra bio!🔗⁠
⏳ The High Road Summit is just one week away! ✨⁠
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We're bringing together organizers, workers, policy leaders, and advocates to reimagine our regional economies and push forward real solutions rooted in equity, climate justice, and worker power.⁠
⁠
From the future of childcare and care work to high-road manufacturing, from worker co-ops to state-level policy, our workshops are designed to spark collaboration and action.⁠
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📣 Now’s the time to show up, connect, and commit. Let’s move from ideas to action—together.⁠
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👉 RSVP today at wpusa.org/highroadsummit or head to the link in our bio 🔗
Even as we fight the forces of oppression and expl Even as we fight the forces of oppression and exploitation, we’re grounded in gratitude for the brilliance of our partners and allies. Together, we’re doing the hard work of building futures where our communities have access to basic necessities and real opportunities, now and for generations to come.

📣 Join us at our upcoming High Road Summit—because now is the time to double down on equity, climate action, and worker power!

We’re growing a High Road economy that centers underinvested communities, protects our climate, and uplifts the leadership of workers, immigrants, and communities of color. These aren’t just ideas—they’re real, collaborative projects already transforming our region. And we need bold, committed stakeholders to help sustain this momentum.

Be part of the movement shaping a cleaner, more equitable future.
👉RSVP today at wpusa.org/highroadsummit or go to the link in our bio 🔗
Universal Healthcare Coverage is at Risk! ⚡️🚨⁠
⁠
Gov. Newsom’s proposed budget is a huge blow to the state’s efforts towards universal health care coverage, #Health4All, a goal that Gov. Newsom once lauded. Advocates are calling on state legislators to REJECT these proposed budget cuts. Our system is stronger and our communities are healthier when everyone is covered; an attack on one is an attack on us all!⁠
⁠
Click the link in the bio to find your representative!
We are proud to stand alongside @seiu521, @seiu102 We are proud to stand alongside @seiu521, @seiu1021, @parentvoicesoakland, Headstart workers, parents, and providers to demand justice for our children, families, and care workers from our Care Workers Council. 

Childcare is under attack in Santa Clara County.
❌ Headstart and Early Head Start are being defunded
❌ Childcare providers are being laid off
❌ Facilities are shutting down permanently

These cuts hit hardest in East and South County, where families already face limited access to childcare. These are childcare deserts — and they’re growing.

This is a call to action: Invest in care, not cuts.

Every child deserves a safe, nurturing place to grow. Every working family deserves support. Every provider deserves respect.

We're organizing for Childcare for All — because strong communities start with strong care.

#ChildcareForAll #StopTheCuts #SEIU521 #WorkingPartnershipsUSA #HeadStartMatters #InvestInCare #CommunityPower #SouthBaySolidarity #WhenWeFightWeWi
🔹 Employers in San Jose with 36 or more employe 🔹 Employers in San Jose with 36 or more employees are legally required to prioritize offering additional work hours to qualified part-time employees before hiring external candidates, including subcontractors or temporary staffing agencies.⁠
🔹 This ordinance aims to increase economic stability for part-time workers by ensuring they have the first opportunity to take on additional hours before new hires are considered.⁠
🔹 Non-compliance can result in city-led investigations and financial penalties for violating businesses.⁠
⁠
NEW REPORT by @CHIRLA_ORG and @CAFastFoodUnion she NEW REPORT by @CHIRLA_ORG and @CAFastFoodUnion sheds light on the specific ways that fear about immigration status, and lack of knowledge about their rights, are impacting the lives of over 600,000 fast food workers across California.

While union workers have used their rights to hold fast food bosses accountable, many workers continue to live in fear.

Thanks to the bold leadership of our elected representatives , Santa Clara County is exploring providing Know Your Rights training for fast food workers. We need to let them know that we support safe, in-person training for Fast Food Workers in our county, where they can learn about their rights, understand labor laws, and connect with trusted resource people for guidance on workplace issues.

Read the report: https://www.chirla.org/fastfoodworkersreport/
Last week in San Jose, we gathered with workers an Last week in San Jose, we gathered with workers and community members from across our campaigns — app-based drivers, care workers, Berryessa Flea Market vendors, trades program participants, and more — for a community BBQ and potluck.⁠
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It was a chance to slow down, share a meal, and connect across the different parts of our work and lives. We enjoyed fresh-off-the-grill tacos 🌮 and elotes 🌽, music, games for the kids, and a piñata — and meaningful time spent together.⁠
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Huge shoutout to our team for pouring heart into every detail, and to everyone who showed up, brought food, brought love ❤️, and brought hope.⁠
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We’re proud to be part of this vibrant, unstoppable community in Santa Clara County — and even prouder to keep growing it together 🌱.
📢 We're hiring at Working Partnerships USA!⁠ 📢 We're hiring at Working Partnerships USA!⁠
⁠
If you're ready to turn your passion for social justice into action, this is your chance to join a team fighting for economic equity, workers’ rights, and real community power. From supporting groundbreaking workforce programs to organizing alongside working families, our open roles offer the opportunity to make meaningful change in the South Bay and beyond.⁠
⁠
We're looking for driven, values-aligned individuals to join us in building a future where everyone can thrive.⁠
⁠
Scan the QR Codes or use the link in our bio to apply! 🔗
🚨 May Day is OUR day 🚨⁠ ⁠ This May 1st, 🚨 May Day is OUR day 🚨⁠
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This May 1st, we’re hitting the streets with workers, immigrants, and our Santa Clara community—because when we move together, we’re unstoppable.⁠
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We're bringing our voices, our stories, our culture to the streets—because when our community stands united, no force can silence us, divide us, or steal our future.⁠
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We’re not just marching. We’re building power. We’re demanding dignity. We’re showing up for each other.⁠
⁠
📍 Story & King, San José⁠
🎉 Rally: 2:30pm | March: 4:00pm | Ends at City Hall with performances and community celebration ⁠
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📢 Calling all future organizers, advocates, and 📢 Calling all future organizers, advocates, and changemakers! ✨ 

Working Partnerships USA's Bill Leininger Summer Justice Internship application is now open! This paid, 8-week internship is your chance to dive into real community change work—supporting campaigns that fight for racial justice, workers’ rights, housing, and more right here in Santa Clara County.

Whether you’re a student, a new organizer, or just interested in movement work, this is an awesome opportunity to learn hands-on organizing, connect with mentors, and grow your leadership. You’ll be matched with a campaign that fits your interests and get to see the impact of grassroots power up close.

✨ Apps are due May 10—so don’t wait! ✨

This internship is open to everyone—if you’re passionate about justice and ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply. Just bring your energy, curiosity, and commitment to community.

Apply today using the link in our bio! 🔗
🕯This year's Workers’ Memorial Day event was 🕯This year's Workers’ Memorial Day event was a powerful reminder of why this work is urgent and necessary. In a world where too many workers still face unsafe conditions, low wages, and a lack of basic protections, creating spaces to share knowledge, build solidarity, and honor those we’ve lost is essential to pushing for real change.⁠
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Through worker stories, hands-on trainings, and open conversations about immigrant rights and workplace safety, we created a space for learning, healing, and collective action. As we continue the fight for safer, fairer workplaces, we carry with us the memories of those we honored and the lessons we heard. ⁠
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The movement for workplace justice doesn’t end with a single event—it lives on in every worker who speaks out, every right we defend, and every community we build together. 💪⁠
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Shout out to @somosmayfair, @pawissouthbay @stepfwd.fdn @sccfairwrkplace @scc_rapidresponsenetwork and our volunteers who made this event possible!⁠
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If you or someone you know needs support, resources, or legal help, visit The Fair Workplace Collaborative website to get connected: https://wpusa.org/work/just-economy/fair-workplace-collaborative/ :link:
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