In Partnership with Inland Empire Electrical Training Center and IBEW Locals 477 and 440 ‘VEEP’ creates pathways for veterans entering the electrical trades
BARSTOW, CA – Barstow Community College, in partnership with the Inland Empire Electrical Training Center and International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals 477 and 440, proudly celebrated the graduation of the region’s first-ever cohort of the Veteran’s Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) pre-apprenticeship program. Thirteen veterans began the five-week program, 200 hours of classroom participation and hands-on lab. All thirteen will graduate as the inaugural cohort, marking an important milestone for apprenticeship pathways in the region.
VEEP is a nationwide initiative designed to support transitioning service members and recently separated veterans as they enter the civilian workforce through career technical education and apprenticeship opportunities. The program addresses two critical needs: supporting veterans transition into high-demand careers while also strengthening the nation’s electrical workforce amid a growing shortage of skilled labor.
Pictured: Timothy Auman (IBEW 477), Superintendent-President Dr. Eva Bagg (BCC), Col. Russell W. Savatt (MCLB Barstow), Robert Munoz Macias, (VEEP Graduate), Jon Rowe (IEETC), Dr. Laura Alvarado (BCC)
“Barstow is proud of who we are and what defines us as a community. We take pride in how many generations of families have lived in our community, and we take pride in those who have served our nation. This training program represents a powerful opportunity to support our region’s heroes while strengthening our regional workforce. We are creating a direct pathway for veterans to transition into high-quality careers that provide stability, strong earning potential, and long-term growth,” said Dr. Eva Bagg, Superintendent-President of Barstow Community College.
The program holds particular importance in the Barstow area due to the strong veteran presence in San Bernardino County, which is home to both Fort Irwin National Training Center and the Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow. These nearby installations support thousands of service members and veterans, many of whom seek meaningful civilian careers after completing military service.
The five-week pre-apprenticeship program introduces participants to the fundamentals of electrical work, including safety, tools, and core electrical concepts. Upon completion, graduates have the opportunity to move directly into a union apprenticeship with IBEW, where they continue their training while earning wages and gaining hands-on experience. After completing the apprenticeship, participants can advance to become journeyman electricians and build long-term careers in the electrical industry. Workforce training initiatives like VEEP play a critical role in regional economic development by connecting education, industry, and community partners to address labor shortages while providing individuals with clear career pathways.
“Programs like VEEP demonstrate the impact that strong partnerships can have on workforce development,” said Dr. Laura Alvarado, Executive Dean of Strategic Partnerships and Workforce Development at Barstow Community College. “No one can do it alone and by aligning training with industry demand, we are helping veterans gain valuable skills while ensuring that our region has the skilled workforce needed to support economic growth.”
For IBEW, the program represents an opportunity to welcome veterans into a respected trade while helping meet the industry’s growing demand for skilled electricians. “Military service to apprenticeship is a natural pathway for our veterans offering a similar chain of command structures that guarantee safety, education and upward mobility,” said Timothy Auman, Lead Organizer/Veteran’s Representative IBEW Local 477.
About Barstow Community College
Barstow Community College (BCC) is a two-year public college in California’s high desert that serves a wide range of students from Barstow and surrounding communities, including Lenwood, Newberry Springs, Yermo, and Baker. BCC offers programs to help students transfer to four-year universities, train for careers, or improve basic skills in math, reading, and writing. Learn more at www.barstow.edu/.
Media Contact:
Amanda Simpson
Barstow Community College
Phone: (760) 252-6727
Email: asimpson@barstow.edu
