Kern Valley State Prison recently celebrated National Skilled Trades Day, honoring those who keep the institution running.
The correctional plant manager (CPM), correctional plant supervisor (CPS), chief engineers, supervisors of building trades, the associate governmental program analyst and the office technician celebrated all skill trades staff working in plant operations.
National Skilled Trades Day is observed each year the first Wednesday in May. The observance aims to highlight the value of skilled trades and the critical role they play in society.
The event encourages students and others to consider careers in the trades, while addressing the growing shortage of skilled workers.
National Skilled Trades Day was established in 2019.
Kern Valley’s celebratory event featured grilled hamburgers, hot dogs, and enough food to make everyone happy. The event was open to all skilled trades people employed at Kern Valley State Prison.



Employees in the following classifications enjoyed the day celebrating their skills:
- Carpenters, electricians
- electronic technicians
- stationary engineers
- groundskeepers and pest control technicians
- associate hazardous materials specialist
- waste & sewage plant supervisors
- as well as maintenance mechanics, painters, and plumbers.
They were celebrated with lunch, kind words from the CPM, CPS, associate warden of business services and the warden. Each person who attended was gifted a Plant Operations challenge coin.
The celebration was a great way to show the Plant Operations team how much they mean to Kern Valley State Prison.
Submitted by Lt. J. Hernandez
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