California awards $16 million to expand innovative apprenticeship programs

NEWS RELEASE

OAKLAND - Today the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) announced $15.9 million in funding to 67 programs supporting approximately 10,000 individuals through the Apprenticeship Innovation Fund (AIF). AIF is part of California's broader apprenticeship strategy to expand earn-and-learn opportunities, support workforce development and open pathways to family-supporting careers across a growing range of industries.

The awards, also highlighted in Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement today , are part of California's broader strategy to expand earn-and-learn opportunities, support workforce development and open pathways to family-supporting careers across a growing range of industries.

Including today's announcement, DAS, through AIF, has invested a total of $88 million, supporting nearly 40,000 apprentices across 92 programs who earn on average a total hourly compensation of $51.74. AIF has supported the expansion of non-traditional apprenticeships, which have grown by 76 percent in the areas of healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, technology and other sectors across California's economy.

What DAS Chief Adele Burnes said: "As California continues to support traditional apprenticeship programs, AIF is helping expand earn-and-learn opportunities into a broader range of industries. Employers and apprenticeship programs benefit from a streamlined application and funding system, while apprentices gain employment and training opportunities that lead to careers in high-demand fields."

Examples of Round 4 AIF awardees include:

• Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS): awarded $1,885,000, supporting 775 apprentices. ECEPTS trains apprentices in early care and education, which helps to address California's shortage of qualified childcare and early learning professionals.
  

  "My husband and I have five children. With our children's future in mind, it was important for me to earn a degree with no student debt." - Amanda Grigsby, Success Coordinator, YMCA Early Educator Apprenticeship Program, ECEPTS

  Amanda joined the YMCA's Early Educator Apprenticeship Program in the fall of 2016. Being in the program meant she could earn a degree, without student debt, while raising five children. Balancing full-time work, full-time school, and motherhood was a challenge, but she earned her California Teacher Permit in January 2020 and a B.A. in Human Development from Cal State East Bay in May 2022. Today she is a Success Coordinator for the YMCA, guiding other apprentices toward their own academic and career goals.

• LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network: awarded $1,686,708, supporting 582 apprentices. LAUNCH partners with community colleges, K-12 districts and employers to build apprenticeship pathways in high-demand industries.
  

  "If you're a woman thinking about becoming an apprentice, especially in a male-dominated field like maintenance, engineering, or the skilled trades, I want you to know that your presence matters. Your courage, drive, and resilience will not only shape your own future, but will make room for others to follow."- Celene Otero, Industrial Automation & Mechatronics Technician Apprentice, LAUNCH

  Celene is pursuing her apprenticeship alongside industrial automation coursework at Norco College, pairing educational instruction with hands-on training. This apprenticeship has provided a clear roadmap toward becoming a maintenance technician and, eventually, advancing into specialized areas like automation and robotics. As the only woman on her team, Celene is proud to set an example for other women entering the field.

• Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority JATC: awarded $679,958, supporting 251 apprentices. The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority runs a joint program with the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 265 and trains workers in high-skilled transit roles.
  

  "This opportunity has opened my mind to a whole new way of thinking about mechanics, rail, and problem-solving." - Isaiah Nunley, apprentice, Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority

  Isaiah entered VTA's apprenticeship with no background in track work or rail maintenance. With the help of mentors, he built confidence, learned proper safety procedures, and picked up new skills, including welding and using a range of hand and power tools. Working alongside his crew in a safety-sensitive rail environment, he has come to understand how rail systems function and why every task matters to their safety and reliability. The program has strengthened his mechanical aptitude, attention to detail, communication, and teamwork.

How we got here

AIF launched in 2022 as a new approach to funding nontraditional apprenticeship programs across California that are associated with the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship. AIF uses a formula-funding model in which apprenticeship programs and training partners are reimbursed for operational or training expenses. This formula helps to streamline funding, allowing programs to focus on expanding their work to serve more apprentices and more employers.

About the Division of Apprenticeship Standards

DIR's Division of Apprenticeship Standards consults with employers to develop a skilled workforce by establishing innovative apprenticeship programs that offer training, to create viable career pathways for Californians.

Media Contact: [email protected], (510) 286-1161