Governor Newsom celebrates National Apprenticeship Week, highlighting pathways connecting workers to good jobs

What you need to know: California leads the nation in apprenticeships, expanding access to paid, hands-on training across industries. National Apprenticeship Week highlights how these programs are connecting Californians to stable careers and meeting workforce needs.

SACRAMENTO - During National Apprenticeship Week, Governor Gavin Newsom highlights California's continued expansion of earn-and-learn opportunities that connect Californians to good-paying jobs. More than 674,735 opportunities, including over 245,000 registered apprenticeships have been created across the state since 2019, surpassing the Governor's goal of creating 500,000 apprenticeships by 2029. With these new opportunities, California is creating pathways to economic mobility for thousands of workers.

View the National Apprenticeship week proclamation here.

California's economic strength depends on a workforce that is prepared to meet the demands of a changing economy. Apprenticeships are a proven way to build that pipeline, connecting workers to high-quality careers while helping businesses access the skilled talent they need to grow and compete.

Governor Gavin Newsom

"California has expanded access to paid, hands-on training that meets workers where they are and connects them to real opportunity, Said California Labor Secretary Stewart Knox, "Through apprenticeships, we're working with education, industry, and labor to build a workforce that works for all Californians."

Gisele entered an apprenticeship as a heavy-duty repair apprentice with Operating Engineers Local 3 (OE3) to gain financial stability in a high-demand career. Gisele started in a pre-apprenticeship program with CityBuild, gaining foundational knowledge in construction. After CityBuild, Gisele went on to the apprenticeship program with OE3, where she learned the necessary skills for a career in construction.

"I joined construction because I really wanted a livable wage and a pension, honestly," said Gisele. "And I was also really interested in welding, and that incorporated into the position I have now."

"My advice for other women considering a career in the construction trades would be just to do it," she continued. "It seems really scary and daunting, but once you get the hang of it, it's like any other job. And you meet a lot of really amazing women and realize that you're not the only one that's out on the field."

Xikuakame is an 18-year-old assistant story producer and Digital Imaging Technician pre-apprentice with the Handy Foundation in Los Angeles. The Handy Foundation is a nonprofit organization that provides training and career advancement opportunities to underrepresented individuals in the film industry. Xikuakame's earn-while-you-learn experience has already provided opportunities to storyboard, shoot, and edit high profile events, including First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom's recent visit to his program.

"I was able to get hands on learning with Avid Media Composer, which is a film industry standard editing software," said Xikuakame. "The Handy Foundation does a very good job of expanding not just my knowledge, but also my connections."

Chauntil completed an 18-month Gardener Apprenticeship program through a collaboration between the San Francisco Recreation and Park Department, Laborers Local 21, City College of San Francisco, and other agencies. Chauntil has loved being around plants, ever since her childhood. An Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grant helped turn her lifelong passion into a career in horticulture. ERiCA funding can be used to offset the cost of childcare for pre-apprentices and apprentices. Flexible childcare funding has been identified as one of the primary barriers that women apprentices face in the construction industry.

"It's been extremely helpful having additional funds to make sure that childcare is secured, especially because my day starts at 5 or 6:30 in the morning and often ends with classes until 10 o'clock at night," said Chauntil.

Anthony Bertuccelli and Brianna Harrison completed the Mechanic Apprenticeship Program with Sacramento Regional Transit (SacRT). Brianna was the first female graduate of the program. Candidates complete a one-year Diesel Technology Certificate Program through American River College and spend the rest of the program in on-the-job training.

"I had a great experience being in the apprenticeship program. A portion of my training included attending vocational school and I loved being able to utilize the skills taught in school immediately in the workforce," said Brianna Harrison. "I know of no other training that offers this! Also, being trained here at SacRT by such knowledgeable and passionate people (some of whom also completed this program), was such a pleasure!"

"I recently completed the Bus Mechanic Apprenticeship program at SacRT and couldn't be happier with my experience," said Anthony Bertuccelli. "The hands-on training was incredibly valuable. Also, I appreciated the focus on safety and efficiency. I consider the knowledge and experience I gained invaluable, as it set me up for success with my career."

Janay Wilson is a laborer apprentice with Laborers Local 300. After working in lower-wage jobs, she entered a pre-apprenticeship program that provided hands-on training, mentorship, and career support, ultimately leading her into construction. Today, she describes finding stability, purpose, and a career she genuinely enjoys. Noting that even as the only woman on her job site, she was treated fairly and supported in learning the trade.

"They provided everything you needed to actually get in the field. We actually did hands on to get the feel for the trade we were looking into," said Janay. "They taught us how to use different hand tools and different machines we would use on a job site. Those things were very helpful."

Aster Tseng decided to join a plumber apprenticeship after years working as a graphic designer. Aster left her office job and wanted to find a job that would make a difference in people's lives. She joined the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipefitting Industry of the United States and Canada.

"It's amazing to wake up in the dark and report to work at 6 a.m., and to work in construction," said Aster. "Whether it's working underground in the mud or running up 10-flights of stairs to the roof installing gas pipes, or crawling in confined spaces, every day is an exciting adventure."

Mandy is a California Tooling & Machining Apprenticeship Association (CMTAA) machinist apprentice. She became a single mother after losing her fiancé unexpectedly and decided to find a lucrative career to support her family. She has always loved taking things apart and building and loved being able to earn a wage while learning the skills she needs to become a machinist.

"As an apprentice, I now work full-time. I now go to school full-time and I'm a full-time parent. So, it's like three full-time jobs right there. Because I'm in this apprenticeship, I'm able to be sponsored to go to school and my boss has graciously worked around my hours."

Investing in Apprenticeships

Governor Newsom's Master Plan for Career Education is devoted to expanding youth apprenticeships by enhancing career pathways in high school, strengthening workforce training for young people, and bolstering regional partnerships in communities. It also addresses removing barriers for opportunity youth seeking ways to gain skills before having obtained a college degree.

Apprenticeships are central to the Jobs First Initiative, the state's strategy to grow industries by leveraging the unique strengths of each region. Apprenticeship programs also align with several of California's strategic sectors highlighted in the state's Economic Blueprint including the high-tech, aerospace, healthcare, and education sectors.

In alignment with Governor Newsom's plan, the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) has expanded apprenticeships and earn-and-learn opportunities to provide more Californians with a pathway to a good-paying job. These investments include:

• $68 million in funding to boost apprenticeship programs, create new jobs, and fill labor shortages;

• $37 million in funding to support more than 60,000 workers and apprentices statewide.

• $26 million to recruit more women into construction careers;

• $20 million in construction apprenticeships to meet infrastructure needs;

• $15.4 million to connect opportunity youth with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in high-demand fields;

• $10 million for programs that help farmworkers adjust to the ever-changing demands of the farming industry, providing access to education, career services, and training;

• $18.6 million to increase equitable access to High Road jobs, with $4.3 million earmarked for healthcare sector projects; and

• $80 million in California Jobs First funding for projects that will create 23,000 new jobs.