Supervisor Dave Pine Champions Measure K Grant to Provide Underserved Residents the Opportunity to Pursue Careers in the Trades
June 4, 2019
  • San Mateo County Approves Grant for Trades Introductory Program

    REDWOOD CITY – Today, the San Mateo County Board of Supervisors authorized a grant of $100,000 from Measure K funds to the San Mateo County Union Community Alliance (SMCUCA) to support the Trades Introduction Program (TIP San Mateo).  The grant proposal was introduced by Supervisor Dave Pine and unanimously approved by the Board.

    TIP San Mateo is a certificated pre-apprenticeship course that helps trainees navigate career opportunities in the construction sector.  The course exposes trainees to a wide variety of trades, helps them choose an appropriate career path for their skills and interests, and provides them with the information they need to apply to become a working apprentice.

    “Since 2014, the TIP program in San Mateo County has graduated 235 students and placed 156 of them in union construction apprenticeships or construction-related employment,” said Supervisor Pine. “This highly effective program is a remarkable way to introduce candidates to a range of well-paying construction jobs and provide a pipeline for needed professionals that are in short supply in the Bay Area.”

    TIP is a regional partnership that includes the San Mateo Building Trades Council, San Mateo County Community College District, College of San Mateo, Bay Area Apprenticeship Coordinators Association, NOVA Workforce Board, SMCUCA, and Working Partnerships USA.

    Apprenticeship placements include the following trades:  electricians, plumbers, sheet metal workers, plasterers, laborers, carpenters, elevator constructors, sound and communication, sign and display, glaziers, drywall, pipefitters and automotive.

    TIP targets underserved populations in the County, including women, at risk youth, veterans and formerly incarcerated individuals. TIP students reflect the ethnic diversity of the County. TIP plays a critical role in expanding access to state certified construction apprenticeship programs, which in turn can lead to jobs in the trades offering long term sustainable wages and benefits and ongoing industry recognized training.

    “San Mateo County continues to be an essential partner in our collective efforts to provide pathways to viable, long term union construction careers. Without TIP, these opportunities might be out of reach for many local residents,” said Rayna Lehman, director of AFL-CIO Community Services for the San Mateo County Central Labor Council.

    Measure K is a 20-year extension of the countywide half-cent sales tax passed by local voters in November 2016 to support essential County services and to maintain or replace critical facilities.

    Contact: David Burruto (650) 363-4571 dburruto@smcgov.org