California invests $17M to expand apprenticeships to new industries

Sacramento—The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) have announced award recipients of $17 million for Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF). This announcement was made through an AIF Awardee announcement video, along with the list of award recipients.

AIF aims to expand and sustain apprenticeship programs in new sectors, such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, technology, education, and more. The money awarded will help both new and existing apprenticeship programs grow and scale to meet the needs of more employers and create more earn and learn pathways for job seekers.

“This funding allows California to support new programs that are pioneering apprenticeship in their industry. It’s about investing in our most valuable resource – the people of California,” said DIR Director Katie Hagen.

“This is more than funding; it is a catalyst for creating a more equitable and accessible onramp into a career, and a better prepared workforce to fuel a thriving California economy,” said DAS Deputy Chief Adele Burnes.

AIF is one part of the State’s recent historic investments in apprenticeship and other earn and learn pathways. Other new funding includes a youth apprenticeship grant program, Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship grants, and an increase to the reimbursement rate for training in building and construction apprenticeships. These efforts are helping California achieve Governor Newsom’s goal of serving 500,000 apprentices by 2029.

The Department of Industrial Relations’ 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.