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Building Trades
Our Building Trades courses provide hands-on training in a variety of in-demand skills, from carpentry and plumbing to electrical and HVAC systems. Designed for beginners and aspiring professionals alike, these programs teach the tools, techniques, and safety practices needed to succeed in the construction and maintenance industries. Gain practical experience, build your skills, and prepare for apprenticeships or career opportunities in the trades
Electrical Controls
Instructor: Steve Bartoni | Location: El Cerrito High School
Learn to understand, troubleshoot, and repair electrical control systems through hands-on training. Students will read, design, and test electrical schematics and ladder diagrams while exploring motor control, relay logic, circuit protection, transformers, generators, power distribution, BACnet systems, and basic PLCs. Tools and meters are provided. Training includes work with AC/DC power (single and three phase), with safety covered in the first session.
HVAC I & II
Instructor: Steve Bartoni | Location: El Cerrito High School
Gain hands-on training in the principles and theory of air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Learn soldering, brazing, and refrigerant recovery techniques while testing, adjusting, and troubleshooting systems such as split units, heat pumps, chillers, and ventilation systems. This course also prepares students for EPA Type I, II, III, and Universal certifications, discussed during the first session.
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Home Repair & Framing Carpentry
Instructor: Thomas Baroody | Location: Richmond High School
Carpentry is one of the largest and most versatile building trades. In this class, students learn the tools, materials, and methods used in basic home repairs while gaining skills to qualify for entry-level construction apprenticeships. Classes are offered at various times—click “Details” and “View Schedule Dates” for the full schedule.
Intro to Plumbing
Instructor: Brian Lescure | Location: Alvarado Adult School
This course provides students with project-based experiences in plumbing techniques. Instruction includes orientation, workplace safety policies and procedures, hands-on practice, and the theories of plumbing.
Pre-Apprenticeship (Electrician Training)
Instructor: Steve Bartoni | Location: El Cerrito High School
This course provides you with electrical theory and hands-on practices necessary to prepare you for the IBEW apprenticeship test. This trade is in the “High demand” trade category. We train you to understand different electrical systems, wire types, breaker panels, branch circuits, bonding, grounding, load calculations, conduit bending, raceways, motor protection, solar and much more. Learn How to use electrical testing equipment and related tools. Safety Will be discussed at our first meeting.
Stair Layout & Roof Construction
Instructor: Steve Bartoni | Location: El Cerrito High School
This course is designed to teach students how to layout, cut and install wood stairs and how to cut and construct typical roof structures found on homes in CA. I will also incorporate this information with all applicable building codes and laws in the construction of both stairs and roofs.
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Welding
Instructor: Steve Bartoni | Location: El Cerrito High School
This class is an introduction to the basic principles of manual welding. We begin with SMAW "Stick" welding and over the course session will include other processes such as GMAW "MIG" welding, elements of design & layout, basic fabrication techniques, and the proper use of appropriate shop equipment.