First cohort launching September 2026. Construction Trades Academy
501(c)(3) Designation
California's #1 Trades Education Program
From Skilled Worker to Licensed Contractor
A free nonprofit program that assists you from idea to licensed contractor to winning government contracts, with the technical assistance and tools you need to become self-sufficient and self-fulfilled. Offered in English and Spanish.
100% FREE
Always
BILINGUAL
English & Spanish
501(c)(3)
Nonprofit Designation
September 2026 COHORT
Limited spots available
OUR FOUNDER
Yesenia Rivera
President & Director, CCTF
Founder, California Construction Trades Foundation
In 2006, Yesenia watched her family's contracting business face a citation from the State License Board. They had the skill. They had the work ethic. What they didn't have was a roadmap.
That moment became a turning point. For over 20 years, she's helped hundreds of contractors navigate licensing, compliance, and business ownership. Today, through CCTF, she's scaling that mission to help thousands more build businesses that last.
Our Programs
Two Programs.
One Mission.
Free. Bilingual. Nonprofit. California's first trades-specific entrepreneurship curriculum, and the first Women in Construction program taught in English and Spanish. We assist you every step, idea to license to your first government contract with the technical assistance and tools to help you succeed, become self-sufficient, and build something you're proud of.
Contractor Academy
Programa en Español
Women in Construction
Session 01
Entrepreneur Mindset & Business Blueprint
Build the mindset of a successful contractor. Define your vision, mission, and business model from day one.
Session 02
CSLB License & OSHA Requirements
Navigate the California Contractors State License Board process eligibility, applications, and exam prep.
Session 03
Payroll & Bookkeeping for Trades
Master the financial systems every licensed contractor needs payroll, taxes, and recordkeeping basics.
Session 04
Marketing & Branding
Build a professional brand, win clients, and grow your reputation in a competitive market
Session 05
Workers Compensation Legal Obligations for Employer
Understand worker classification, compliance, labor laws, and your legal responsibilities as a business owner.
Session 06
Access to Government Contracts
Learn how to register with DIR, pursue prevailing wage projects, and bid on city, county, and state contracts.
Session 07
Insurance Policies and Audits
Select the right business insurance, understand liability coverage, and protect your company from day one.
Session 08
Construction Math & Estimation
Build accurate project estimates, understand measurements, and submit winning bids.
Session 09
Graduation & Certification
Receive your certificate, CSLB application support, and entry into our business development hub.
From Enrollment
to Government Contract
Every student tracked through our full pipeline using AI automation with transparent reporting to donors and partners.
Women in Construction
The first bilingual Women in Construction program in Southern California, focused on business ownership, not just job placement. Backed by California's 2023 Women in Construction legislation (SCR-29).
Built for Women
Who Build.
Business ownership focus
We train women to own and operate
licensed construction businesses — not just
enter the workforce.
Bilingual English & Spanish
Every session delivered in both languages
so no woman is left behind due to language
barriers.
Government contract coaching
DBE, SBE, and DVBE certifications plus
hands-on coaching to win public sector
contracts.
Built for Those
Who Build California
The Moment Is Now
Academia de Contratistas
El Programa Para Constructores
El primer programa empresarial de 9 sesiones diseñado específicamente para contratistas hispanohablantes en el sur de California. Completamente gratis.
¡GRATIS!
Septiembre 2026
Inglés y Español
Nuestra misión es transformar a cada contratista en un líder preparado, informado y capaz de prosperar en la industria de la construcción. El conocimiento es poder y tú mereces tener ambos.
Real People.
Real Results.
"I didn't know anything about CSLB when I started. After the program, I was knowledgeable about all the CSLB requirements. I didn't feel lost or confused navigating the process with the state. Calling the 1-800 number, on the other hand, was hard getting through to a live person. I am grateful to have a resource division here."
Miguel R.
Licensed General Contractor, Los Angeles
"Como mujer en la construcción, sentía que no había recursos para mí. Este programa me dio las herramientas, la confianza, y el guia para operar mi propio negocio."
Rosa M.
Contratista Licenciada, Orange County
"I had the skills but not the paperwork. CCTF walked me through every step from the application to the exam to understanding and preparing for my first DIR prevailing wage project. The Program was 100% worth it."
David T.
Electrical Contractor, San Gabriel Valley
¿Listo para construir tu futuro?
Ready to build your future.
Free Construction Trades Academy in English and Spanish. Launching September 2026.
GET IN TOUCH
Whether you're ready to enroll, want to partner with us, or are interested in supporting our mission we'd love to hear from you.
Office
457 E. Arrow Hwy, Ste D, Azusa, CA 91702
Website
californiaconstructiontrades.org
501(c)(3) Status
Approved January 20, 2026 · EIN: 41-3951160
Contact
+1 (661) 477-0151
California Construction Trades Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to developing and training small business owners in the construction trades creating a movement of licensed contractors across California.
EIN: 41 - 3951160
Programs
Organization
© 2026 California Construction Trades Foundation. All rights reserved.
457 E. Arrow Hwy, Ste D, Azusa, CA 91702 · www.californiaconstructiontrades.org