You don’t have to look far to find a construction site in Santa Barbara.

Whether it’s State Street being remodeled, a new parking structure being built or the building or renovation of a home, it’s everywhere.

It may come as no surprise that tradespeople are in high demand. City College has created the Construction Academy to help with this demand that is not only in Santa Barbara but nationwide.

City College offers courses that are appropriate for both entry-level students and qualified tradespeople wanting to acquire a new skill in the industry.

Most of the classes are held at Wake Continuing Education Center on Turnpike Road. Students learn everything they need to know in the industry from safety and calculating, to reading blueprint. Students learn on the job when they do work experience in their desired field and are taught the theories of construction in classrooms.

The state pays for the salary for the first six months of the students’ work experience.

Students are required to follow employers’ policies and keep a record of time worked and learning objectives.

“This really is a great program,” Sarah McKittrick said, head of Tradespeople Work Experience.

At the end of their semester the employer will complete an evaluation on the student.

All the classes and achievements are kept on file for the student and once the student has completed their desired courses City College sets them up with interviews. Students are provided with a certificate showing all the skills they acquired.

“This is the best thing to help a new employee who wants a job with a contractor,” Patrick Foster, said, director of Construction Academy.

Most of the students who are enrolled in these courses are currently living in Santa Barbara, so once they’ve completed their academy courses they are staying in Santa Barbara to work.

City College is leading the way in construction education and making a difference in the construction industry.