Ride & Decide
For every 4 skilled workers that leave the construction industry,
only 1 is entering the field
The Ride & Decide program is the PHCC of California's answer to this pressing issue.
As good stewards of the community and the industry, PHCC of California feels it is their responsibility to help correct this problem before it is almost impossible to address.
Ride & Decide pairs students with trade industry contractors to allow them to experience the trade while assisting in paid work functions during their summer school break.
The construction trades are suffering from the lack of skilled, trained workers.
At the current rate, when the next two generations of tradesmen/women retire in 40 years there will be virtually no one to train.
This affects PHCC Contractor Member’s businesses and one can only imagine the effect to the consumer in years to come.
For many students, college is the answer but for others, it can be trade school. For others, it can be a combination of on-the-job apprentice training with trade schools or specific college courses. Careful planning with all the right information can save families hard-earned dollars, help the economy, and potentially give a young persona jump start to their future.
As business owners, educators and good neighbors, the PHCC of California has a responsibility to the community, the industry and all consumers to provide the best information possible for students to make the best future plans for their child as well as the best financial plans for their family and personal situation.
How Ride & Decide Works:
Ride & Decide is a two-week ride along/work along experience. Students work at your location in a capacity that you determine but should include some supervised field experience as well.
Students are paid minimum wage ($11.00/$12.00/hr). At the end of that two-week period, the student decides whether plumbing is the field for them, and you evaluate their performance and determine whether you be willing keep them on longer and train them further.
Ride & Decide succeeds because it is a win-win for everyone - the student can try out the plumbing trade in a hands-on environment with a professional, and you get pre-screened, tested, candidates for potential employment. It also gives you an opportunity to contribute to workforce development and give back to your community.
Students will attend orientation at PHCC and are tested and interviewed in order to provide you with the most viable candidates.
The Program Mission
Offering options through high schools and their administrators can encourage students toward this profession for those who have not decided what to do after graduation.
For eligibility, the student must:
- be at least 16 years of age before starting the program
- have completed their sophomore year of high school
- have at least a C average and excellent school attendance
- have reliable transportation to and from work location
- obtain parental permission with a Release for the PHCC and educational institution
- adhere strictly to the attendance and employment regulations required by the employer
- adhere strictly to the CA Child Labor Laws
Ready To Help a Young Person Find Their Way?
The Ride & Decide program requires the employer to be willing to take on high school students for a minimum of two weeks on a set schedule as temporary employees at minimum wage to determine if the plumbing field is right for them.
As the employer, you’ll be require to fill out an evaluation form to determine if the student is a good fit as a potential employee.
To minimize the payroll and onboarding, PHCC has negotiated an agreement with a temporary staffing agency to employ the students as an alternate option.
For more information on getting started, contact:
916-925-7390 or contactus@caphcc.org