Building pathways into union careers: NCTAT expands training and outreach
January 25, 2026
The Northern California Teamsters Apprenticeship Training and Education Trust Fund (NCTAT) continues to build strong career pathways for current and future Teamsters across the region.
NCTAT provides hands-on training so workers can build careers in strong, union jobs.
In 2025, NCTAT participated in the “Hands-On Union Trade Awareness Career Fair” hosted by the Sacramento-Sierra Building & Construction Trades Council, joining with Doug Secord from Teamsters Local 150 to introduce students and job seekers to solid union careers. Our Virtual Truck Driving Simulator gave attendees a realistic and fun look at what it is like behind the wheel of a commercial vehicle and opened conversations about the benefits of Teamster training.
NCTAT continues to deliver hands-on and safety-focused courses including commercial driver license, forklift, material haul, water truck, water-pull, sweeper truck, articulated dump truck, OSHA, and Hazardous Waste Worker training. These programs help workers gain the skills and qualifications needed to support critical transportation and construction work throughout Northern California.
Strengthening our outreach, NCTAT has also increased collaboration with local high schools to help students and parents learn about union opportunities early – emphasizing that careers in the trades offer strong wages, benefits, and long-term growth.
As we look ahead in 2026, NCTAT is committed to expanding work with Local 150 and other Joint Council 7 Teamster Locals, participating in additional outreach events, and continuing to grow training that leads directly to good union jobs.
With the demand for skilled Teamsters growing, NCTAT remains focused on preparing the next generation to keep our communities moving and our industries strong.
