During the 10th Annual National Apprenticeship Week, the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) announced the allocation of $24.7 million to support 65 registered apprenticeship programs. The funding intends to strengthen career pathways in critical sectors such as healthcare, transportation, education, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and the public sector.

“This investment reflects California’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that our labor sectors have access to a steady pipeline of skilled talent, while also opening doors for many Californians to train for high-demand careers and earn a paycheck,” said DIR Director Katie Hagen.

Addressing Workforce Demands

The funding is part of the second round of the Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF) initiative, which helps address workforce shortages by offering earn-and-learn programs that integrate classroom learning with paid, hands-on training. The current round supports 8,270 apprentices who earn an average hourly wage of $31.72.

“This effort demonstrates how a ‘Pay for Success’ funding structure can expand apprenticeship opportunities across a variety of industries,” said DAS Deputy Chief Adele Burnes. “It’s a step toward building a more robust workforce while supporting economic growth.”

This funding initiative is one component of a broader state strategy aimed at creating sustainable career pathways. Governor Gavin Newsom has set a target to serve 500,000 apprentices by 2029, and to date, 190,915 apprentices have participated in the program.

Focus on Accessibility and Diversity

To promote inclusivity, DAS hosted a webinar titled “Funding the Future: Scaling Registered Apprenticeship in California.” The event highlighted efforts to expand access to apprenticeship programs for underrepresented groups, including women and underserved communities, and emphasized the importance of reflecting California’s workforce diversity.

Expanding Non-Traditional Pathways

The AIF funding is also enabling the development of apprenticeships in industries traditionally underrepresented in such programs. In healthcare, for instance, apprenticeships now provide pathways for registered nurses, medical assistants, and opticians. In the public sector, funding has helped fill peace officer roles, while in education, new apprenticeships have supported bilingual teachers and counselors.

Ongoing Efforts and Next Steps

This $24.7 million allocation follows a $17 million investment in December 2023 during the first round of AIF funding. Applications for the third round of funding, focusing on reimbursing the costs of apprentices served in 2024, will open in early 2025.

While the AIF initiative has demonstrated measurable benefits, such as increasing workforce participation in high-demand fields, challenges remain in scaling these programs and ensuring long-term sustainability. As California continues to refine its apprenticeship strategies, the state aims to balance expansion with equitable access and employer engagement.

For more information and to view the full list of awardees from this round, visit Apprenticeship Innovation Funding.