Frequently Asked Questions

Typically courses are in the evenings and run from the end of August through mid-December and then the end of January through mid-May similar to a traditional Fall/Spring semester schedule.

To enroll in a Craft Training course an individual must attend a mandatory orientation, pass a drug screen (referrals issued), provide proof of High School diploma or GED, provide proof of age, possibly proof of military DD214, and pay the course fees. During a registration appointment, you will complete all required paperwork and copies will be taken of your documents.

The Electrical and Plumbing Craft Training Program is 4 and a half years in length.

No, enrollments are taken on a quarter-by-quarter basis.

Each course is a prerequisite to the next (starting with Core) and must be completed before advancing to the next course.

Beginning January 2024 the Trade School will be on a quarter system. If you have any questions please call us!

Yes. The Trade School requires 3rd party written verification of at least 1,040 hours of in-field experience per course challenge. Challenges are not allowed for more than 50% of the program.

Before each term, the determination of whether or not to offer a beginning level 1 course is evaluated based on the availability of instructors, the number of students interested in pursuing a career, and whether we can reasonably expect the students in the program to be employed. To learn what courses are currently open for enrollment please contact the Trade School directly at (530) 222-1917.

Yes, the Shasta Builders Exchange consists of hundreds of member contractors encompassing six northern counties. While employment is not guaranteed, many contractors contact the Trade School at SBE when they are looking to hire a new employee.

We recommend using the Smart Center in Redding, the CalJobs website, and Indeed.com for posting resumes and job searches.

Absolutely, construction is a hands-on career. The Trade School has a 2,000-square-foot workshop that is stocked with a wide array of tools and materials.

You must take and pass all exams. Typically, for each module, there is a written and hands-on performance exam that must be passed before you can successfully complete the course. A passing score for the written exam is 70% or better while the performance exams are rated on a pass or fail basis. The minimum to pass each semester is 75% average on the exams. In addition to grades, all students must maintain a 90% attendance rate to advance to the next term.

Yes, the Trade School operates the Electrical Trainee Program. On the State of Calironia’s DIR webpage, you can find the Trade School under the name Shasta Builders Exchange. On the ECU list of approved schools, we are school number 107.

No, not at this time.

Yes, the Trade School is Nationally Accredited by NCCER as a construction training facility which gives students many added benefits. Students receive certificates, official transcripts, and wallet cards. Courses successfully completed are transferable to other NCCER-accredited facilities throughout the United States and abroad.

The courses are $500 a quarter. There is a non-refundable registration fee of $50.

Yes, the student must pass a drug screen and purchase their textbooks. The drug screening fees are paid by the students. There are 5 textbooks required throughout the program. Textbooks range in price and are subject to changes made by the publisher. Currently, prices for books average $170. Electrical Trainee students must pay the state of California’s ECU a registration fee of $25.

No, not at this time.

Unfortunately, not at this time. The Trade School is currently in the process of obtaining the necessary approvals to be able to offer additional financing options to our students.

Yes, there are local and national scholarships. Students can review some of those scholarships on the Community Found of the North State at https://cfnorthstate.org/

Unfortunately, not at this time. There is a 20% discount on tuition for Veteran’s, currently reducing their cost by $90.00 per quarter.

This list of FAQs was updated on May 7, 2024, to reflect the current pricing and course requirements.