Lemoore College and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Partner to Create Pre-Apprenticeship Program to Increase Pipeline of Local Electricians
The launch of this innovative workforce development program coincides with National Apprenticeship Week, which is celebrated April 26 – May 2, 2026
Lemoore, CA, April 20, 2026 – Lemoore College and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 100 announce a partnership to help build the pipeline of local residents who are interested in pursuing an electrical career. The new pre-apprenticeship program at Lemoore College is a critical workforce development initiative that prepares local residents for electrical work across a variety of industries, including renewable energy development. This innovative program expands access to workforce education while creating a meaningful pathway for local residents to enter high-demand, well-paying careers, with opportunities to fill education gaps if needed.
“As California’s job landscape evolves and more solar energy projects are approved in the Central Valley, it is important that there are additional opportunities for local residents to gain the skills they need to be competitive,” said Jake Piland, Business Manager of IBEW Local 100. “This program will benefit community members looking to launch a career in the electrical industry as well as more experienced workers who want to make a career transition.”
The pre-apprenticeship program at Lemoore College adds to the college’s robust offerings in industrial mechanics, industrial automation, and manufacturing automation. This fall, students will be able to complete coursework in one semester or less, preparing them to test into IBEW’s paid five-year electrical apprenticeship program. The pre-apprenticeship program also has options for English learners as well as those needing to secure their GED prior to their IBEW application. The partnership with Lemoore College, which is part of the West Hills Community College District, positions Kings County residents to be competitive for high-demand IBEW jobs.
“We are proud to collaborate with industry leaders to create clear, attainable pathways into well-paying careers,” said James Preston, President of Lemoore College. “This unique partnership will provide opportunities for residents to gain prerequisites in an expedited manner so they are well equipped to succeed in IBEW’s apprenticeship program. Not only will this pre-apprenticeship program create immediate opportunities, but our region will reap benefits for years to come.”
According to the California Employment Development Department, the unemployment rate in Kings County was over 9% as of December 2025, compared to 5% statewide. The Public Policy Institute of California notes that “support for high school and college completion, along with opportunities to connect to careers through apprenticeships or paid internships, are critical for California to continue to see improvement in the share of disconnected youth and to reduce regional gaps.”
Programs like this help close the gaps by aligning education, workforce training, and industry needs. This pre-apprenticeship program reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to high-quality career pathways and supporting the region’s growing demand for skilled tradespeople.
“A critical part of developing a solar project is ensuring there is a qualified local workforce to help with construction and long-term maintenance,” said Bob Dowds, Partner and Chief Executive Officer, at Golden State Clean Energy. “This workforce development program is an enormous asset for the Valley Clean Infrastructure Plan, which will transform the Central Valley and provide over 7,000 construction and operations jobs. Creating local job opportunities ensures that the economic benefits of clean energy development stay within the communities where the projects are built.”
Enrollment information, including application timelines and class offerings, will be available through Lemoore College in the coming months.
Media contact: Lisa Yarbrough
Cell: 415-533-8381
