Sonoma County Non-Profit Teams with High School for Vocational Program

SONOMA COUNTY, CA -- A local non-profit and local high school are partnering together on a vocational program that aims to introduce students to the building and construction trades.

Santa Rosa-based non-profit the LIME Foundation has joined with Rancho Cotate High School in Rohnert Park to launch a 16-week vocational program called NextGen Trades Academy.

The program, which launched Jan. 17 and is hosted at the school's career center, is an after-school program for students 16 and older who attend Rancho Cotate High. From Jan. 23 through May 26, students will attend after-school classes three days a week, as an introduction to the trades including roofing, solar installation, carpentry, plumbing, electrical and more.

The intent of the program, is for students who may not have the opportunity to go to college to find gainful employment in the trades fields and provide a workforce for local contractors.

The class, taught by instructor Alan Ribnick, will have special contractors from each field meet with the students and teach them about their specialty. Students will also have the opportunity to attend a job fair, where Sonoma County contractors who are hiring will have the opportunity to meet and interview these students for full-time participants.

The course also includes a financial literacy program hosted by a major bank, as well job safety and Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training and certification.

The NextGen Trades Academy is the brainchild of local business owner and LIME Foundation founder, Letitia Hanke, who as the owner of ARS Roofing, Gutters & Waterproofing, is a woman in the male-dominated local construction and roofing industry. Hanke said she hopes that the NextGen Trades Academy will introduce more young people to the trades fields, particularly young women.

Images of Rancho Cotate High and LIME Foundation founder Letitia Hanke courtesy LIME Foundation