Job training center breaks ground

Construction has begun on a Perris facility that will train people for manufacturing jobs.

The Skills Training and Job Placement Center will cover 13,700 square feet on a vacant parcel owned by the city at the northeast corner of 1st and D streets, according to a statement on the city’s website.

Rep. Mark Takano, D-Riverside, city council members, and representatives from the California and Riverside workforce development boards were among those who participated in a groundbreaking ceremony on Jan. 19.

Perris received  $6.5 million in federal funding, most of it from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, to pay for the project. When completed, the two-story building will include conference rooms, replacement services, and classrooms that can be used by non-profits, community colleges, and universities for training.

“This is a huge milestone for our community, and we have overcome many obstacles and challenges to get here,” said City Manager Clara Manager in the statement. “But we hope to be a support system throughout our region and provide residents with trades skills training all the way to job placement.”

Training in welding, cybersecurity, aircraft mechanics, electronics, robotics, and logistics/supply chain management are among the programs that will be offered. The training center is expected to be completed in the spring of 2024.