What is Hands On Tools
Mobile Construction Training

The History

In 2018, Butte County was rocked by the disastrous Camp Fire, wiping out over 15,000 homes, displacing a large number of construction companies and workers.  Add in the 2020 Bear/North Complex, and 2021 Dixie fires, resulting in the loss of nearly 20,000 homes in the greater Butte County area, At this rate of rebuilding, it will take this region upwards of 20 years to return to pre-fire housing levels. The construction industry, already experiencing a nationwide shortage of new workers joining the trades, and this set our local industry back years.

 

Valley Contractors Exchange stepped in and created Hands On Tools Mobile Construction Training to address the need for workers and the work needing to be done!

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Today

Today, Mobile Construction Training reaches local students, adults with barriers, workers looking for new skills, local community programs, and much more.  MCT is a F250 Utility Truck and 20' Trailer, decked out with all the tools needed to build a house PLUS mobile classroom space.  We are certified to train the nationally recognized NCCER Core Curriculum, offering trainees standardized training in basic construction tools and skills.

 

MCT employs a full-time, licensed contractor to lead the instruction.  With over 20 years of building under his belt, you can be sure to get a comprehensive training on a wide variety of construction trades.

 

MCT is a four-pronged approach to recruiting, training, and upskilling the construction workforce:

1. Introduction to Construction: Providing hands-on-tools construction training and mentorship to youth to empower, engage, and employ them in well paying, upwardly mobile construction jobs.  This training is being done in partnership with local middle and high schools, the Boys & Girls Clubs of the North Valley, Butte County Probation and re-entry programs, and other Community-Based Organizations.

2. Mobile Construction Training: Providing basic construction skills and safety training, while assisting with community projects or volunteer build organizations. This training is the first step in getting our trainees employed in the construction industry or on the path to a union apprenticeship or trade-specific trainings offered at Butte Glenn Community College.

3. Mobile UpSkill Training: Providing upskilling in trades based on locally identified industry needs, including concrete finishing, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing. The curriculum will be based on the outlined needs from local construction companies and will be flexible to pivot as the needs of the industry shift.

4. Construction Industry Safety Training: as required by CalOSHA.