“Apprenticeships offer real, hands-on experience and a pathway to economic mobility without the burden of debt,” said Stewart Knox, Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. “Through
investments like Apprenticeship Innovation Funding, we’re expanding
opportunity, strengthening our workforce and supporting the industries
that keep our state moving.”
California
has the largest apprenticeship system in the nation and is addressing
workforce needs by building a pipeline of skilled workers through
on-the-job training programs. Apprenticeships offer numerous benefits,
including addressing labor shortages, improving workforce retention,
and enabling employers to design training tailored to their industry
needs.
More jobs. more opportunities.
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.
Governor
Gavin Newsom has set a goal of serving 500,000 earn-and-learn
apprentices by 2029. Through strategic investments like AIF, the
Department of Apprenticeship Standards has already served 227,492
apprentices toward that target.
“By
funding apprenticeships, we’re opening doors for thousands of
Californians to pursue debt-free pathways toward long-term professional
careers.” said DAS Chief Adele Burnes. “This
round of AIF is supporting more than 11,000 apprentices who are earning
an average of $50.29 per hour. These programs provide real economic
mobility, and we are seeing apprentices enter stable careers that
provide family-sustaining wages.”
During the first and second rounds
of AIF, a total of $42.1 million was allocated to apprenticeship
programs. During this round, awardees are utilizing AIF to scale their
apprenticeship programs and address urgent workforce needs.
Awardee highlights:
- Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS)
received $1.4 million to expand its apprenticeship program for early
care providers and teachers’ aides. Apprentices gain professional
development experience at early childcare centers such as Head Start
and work directly with children. Along with hands-on training,
apprentices participate in classroom instruction, studying
industry-focused curriculum for teaching and childcare credentials. The
program primarily serves low-income women who face economic barriers,
setting them on a path to meaningful, stable careers. The program grew
from 158 apprentices in round one to 327 in round two, and 658 in round
three.
- Launch received
$1.4 million to support apprenticeship programs that focus on
healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing.
Apprentices gain paid on-the-job training at employer sites and earn
college credit through coursework at schools and community colleges.
Medical Assistant and Registered Nurse apprenticeships are examples of
newer occupations supported by Launch. Launch is an intermediary that
connects employers and educators to design, manage, and scale
apprenticeship programs. The program grew from 360 apprentices in round
one, to 386 in round two, and 534 in round three.
- Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority JATC received
$951,625 to expand its public transit apprenticeship program.
Apprentices gain on-the-job training with simulator exercises in the
field. During classroom instruction, apprentices work toward earning
industry-recognized certifications. The Santa Clara Valley Transit
faced recruitment challenges, and implemented the program to recruit
and retain workers.The program grew from 80 apprentices in round one,
to 258 in round two, and 321 in round three.
- SLO Partners Apprenticeships received
$237,750 to expand numerous apprenticeship programs, including one in
software development. Apprentices learn about computer applications and
systems while attending a training bootcamp. They also receive one year
of paid on-the-job training. The program is in partnership with
Fullstack Academy and Cal Poly Extended Education Coding Bootcamp. The
program grew from 52 apprentices in round one, to 56 in round two, and
88 in round three.
A nationwide model
Since
AIF’s launch in 2021, non-traditional registered apprenticeships in
California have grown by 76%. The fastest-growing sectors include
education, advanced manufacturing, and transportation.
AIF has become a model for other states. For example, Maryland recently passed the Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act of 2025, modeled in part after California’s program.
AIF aligns with California’s Five-Point Action Plan,
which guides DAS in expanding innovative apprenticeship programs and
partnering with intermediaries such as unions, workforce development
boards, educational institutions, and nonprofits.
AIF
is formula-based funding that reimburses apprenticeship programs based
on the number of apprentices served in the prior calendar year. The
funding supports two core areas:
- Training Funding: Develops new training programs to benefit apprentices.
- Support
Funding: Covers costs of running an apprenticeship program, including
employer coordination, recruitment, support, and apprentice
placement.
Creating career pathways
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.
In alignment with Governor Newsom’s plan, LWDA has
expanded apprenticeships and earn‑and‑learn opportunities to provide
more Californians with a pathway to a good-paying job. These
investments include:
Riechel
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- City
of San Bruno CA