Employer relationships are at the heart of San Joaquin Valley College’s goal to prepare students for real careers in the skilled trades. That commitment was on full display earlier this year when Barnum & Celillo Electric, Inc. (BCE) hired a group of graduates from SJVC’s Electrical Technology program as part of a single work order. That work order is just part of a longer relationship that has seen BCE hire more than 100 SJVC graduates over the past three years.
Founded in 1990, Barnum & Celillo Electric provides a full range of electrical contracting services including project management, design-build electrical contracting, solar and wind installation, multi-family and commercial service work, lighting maintenance, and microgrid solutions. Built on a foundation of project consistency, BCE has earned a reputation for craftsmanship and reliability on commercial projects throughout California, making it a natural fit for SJVC as the college works to connect students with employers who value hands-on skill and technical training.
Building Skilled Electricians at SJVC
SJVC’s Electrical Technology program is designed to prepare students for hands-on careers in residential, commercial, and industrial electrical work. Students train in wiring and electrical installation, conduit bending and raceway systems, troubleshooting and diagnostics, blueprint reading, and safety practices aligned with the National Electrical Code.
The program introduces students to programmable logic controllers and industrial systems, giving graduates a well-rounded foundation for entry-level roles in the field. Students can earn a Certificate of Completion in as few as 10 months, and the program is offered at multiple SJVC campuses across California and Arizona.
A Relationship That Puts Graduates to Work
Since March 2026, these SJVC graduates have been working together on a single large-scale BCE project, putting their training to use from day one. For BCE to bring on a group of SJVC graduates through a single work order reflects real confidence in the training students receive in SJVC’s Electrical Technology program. It’s the kind of outcome that SJVC’s Career Services team works toward every day: connecting graduates with employers who are ready to put their new skills to use right away.
“I’m proud of the preparation our graduates receive at SJVC,” said Jessica Abrica, Career Services Lead at SJVC’s Visalia campus. “They come out with hands-on experience, industry training, and the confidence to take what they’ve learned into a real work environment. My role is to help connect that talent with employers who are looking for motivated people ready to work and grow.”
The relationship between SJVC and BCE runs well beyond this single work order. Over the past three years, BCE has hired more than 100 SJVC graduates, including the SJVC Visalia and SJVC Ontario graduates now working together on this project.
“Our fast-paced projects require well-trained employees, so we rely on SJVC for our electrical trainee hiring needs,” said Jerry Kjensrud, Superintendent and Safety Manager at Barnum & Celillo Electric. “These students possess a strong foundation in electrical installation practices and code requirements, and they arrive prepared to contribute while remaining eager to expand their knowledge.”
Interested in a Career in Electrical Technology?
Students interested in pursuing a hands-on career can learn more about SJVC’s Electrical Technology program and how it prepares graduates for real opportunities with employers like BCE.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many SJVC graduates has Barnum & Celillo Electric (BCE) hired?
BCE has hired more than 100 SJVC graduates in total over the past three years. That total includes a group of Electrical Technology graduates from SJVC’s Ontario and Visalia campuses who joined the company through a single work order beginning in March 2026.
What have the graduates hired through the March 2026 work order been working on?
Many of the SJVC graduates hired through this work order have been working together on a single large-scale BCE project since March 2026, putting their electrical training to use from day one.
How does SJVC connect graduates with employers like Barnum & Celillo Electric?
SJVC’s Career Services team prepares graduates for their job search through personalized coaching, resume building, mock interviews, and direct connections with employers like BCE. The team works with local employers to support graduates, and these services remain available to alumni whenever they need help with a career transition or advancing in their field.
Interested in a similar career path? Learn more about SJVC’s Electrical Technology program and the electrician career overview and education pathways.