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SACRAMENTO-

While work on the new downtown entertainment and sports complex has yet to begin, the Sacramento Kings kicked off a program to help the community be involved in the construction.

The “priority apprenticeship program” will recruit, train and employ at least 70 workers from low income backgrounds and neighborhoods in the construction of the new arena. The program had their first community meeting at Mount Sinai Missionary Baptist Church on Wednesday.

The program is a collaboration of several organizations, including the Kings, Turner construction, the Sacramento Employment and Training Agency and the Sacramento-Sierra Building Trades.

Apprentices will have various jobs at the construction site.

According to the program information, 20% of all construction hours worked on the downtown arena project will be completed by apprentices.

To apply for the Priority Apprenticeship Program, applicants are advised to call the SETA Arena Jobs Hotline at (916) 274-1019 or visit www.kings.com/arenajobs.