PHOTO RELEASE: High-Speed Rail Recognizes Fifth Anniversary of Central Valley Training Center and its Graduates

November 24, 2025

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: The Central Valley Training Center celebrates five years by recognizing the 19th cohort to complete the program. To date, more than 300 students have completed the 10-week pre-apprenticeship program.

SELMA, Calif. – The California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) recently celebrated the fifth anniversary of the Central Valley Training Center (CVTC) by recognizing 20 new graduates to complete the program. With the addition of new graduates, the CVTC has surpassed another major milestone of more than 300 students completing the pre-apprenticeship program, ready for a career in transportation.

Click the image to enlarge.

Student Yvette Castro learned about the program thanks to a mentor’s recommendation. After learning how to work with an electrical conduit, she took the next steps to become an electrician.

Yvette Castro, a graduate of the Central Valley Training Center, stands in front of a white backdrop featuring multiple logos. She is wearing a white hardhat and a bright orange construction safety vest, symbolizing her entry into the construction workforce.

“I told my mentor I had zero background in construction, and she told me this program would be a good step forward, to show that I am serious about getting into the field.”

Yvette Castro, Central Valley Training Center Graduate

When asked about what kept her through the program, she replied, “My motivation throughout this program has been my mom. Ideally, I want to be in a good spot financially to support myself and her, so she won’t have to work so hard.”

To date, more than 3,000 individuals have inquired about the CVTC program. Students are then screened, assessed and scheduled for an orientation.

“The CVTC is among my favorite initiatives in which the city of Selma participates and administers. The program offers residents of the Central Valley opportunities to bet on themselves and pursue employment in the construction trades. The program would not have been possible without the support of the California High-Speed Rail Authority and our amazing partners at the Fresno Economic Development Corporation. I am proud to support a program that offers opportunities to residents who may not have been able to participate in the job force through more traditional paths.”

Jerome Keene, Deputy City Manager for the city of Selma

The CVTC introduces students to 10 construction trades and provides hands-on training alongside journeymen from fields such as ironwork, carpentry, roofing and masonry. Graduates also earn several industry certifications to help them enter the workforce.

The program is a partnership among the Authority, the Fresno-Madera-Kings-Tulare Building Trades Council, Fresno County Economic Development Corporation, Fresno Economic Opportunities Commission and the City of Selma.

High-Speed Rail Progress

Work continues daily on the high-speed rail project, with 171 miles currently under design and construction from Merced to Bakersfield. More than 70 miles of guideway are complete, along with nearly 60 fully completed major structures, and 30 more structures underway across Madera, Fresno, Kings and Tulare counties.

The project continues to advance statewide, with 463 miles of the 494-mile San Francisco to Los Angeles/Anaheim system fully environmentally cleared and construction ready.

Since construction began, the project has created more than 16,100 good-paying jobs—most filled by Central Valley residents. Up to 1,700 workers report to high-speed rail construction sites each day.

Interviews in Spanish are available upon request. For more information, contact the Authority’s media relations office at: news@hsr.ca.gov.

Se ofrecen entrevistas en Español bajo solicitud. Para obtener más información, contacte a la Oficina de Relaciones con los Medios por correo electrónico: news@hsr.ca.gov.

For the latest on high-speed rail construction, visit www.buildhsr.com.

The following link contains recent video, animations, photography, press center resources and latest renderings: https://hsra.box.com/v/ca-hsr-media-resources. Files are all available for free use, courtesy of the California High-Speed Rail Authority

Build More, Faster

High-speed rail is a key part of Governor Newsom’s Build More, Faster agenda, delivering infrastructure upgrades and creating jobs throughout the state. Discover more: Build.ca.gov

California's 175th Birthday

California, a state of dreamers and doers, has driven profound progress over the last 175 years through its profound resilience, welcoming spirit, and respect for personal freedom.

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Contact

Augie Blancas
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Augie.blancas@hsr.ca.gov

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