California invests $15 million in youth apprenticeship programs

California has announced a new initiative to support youth apprenticeship programs with over $15 million in funding. Governor Gavin Newsom revealed that 29 programs will receive California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) grants, totaling $15.4 million. These grants aim to connect young people with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand fields, offering pathways to employment without the need for a traditional college degree.

Governor Newsom stated, "Success shouldn’t always require a college degree. Our investments in apprenticeships are building real, hands-on pathways into high-wage, high-growth career opportunities, especially for young people who have been left out or left behind." He emphasized California's commitment to reimagining the future of work to align with community and economic needs.

Stewart Knox, Secretary of Labor & Workforce Development, added that "Apprenticeship funding is about scaling real, on-the-ground solutions." He noted that these grants will help community organizations and employers create new opportunities and provide necessary support for young people entering the workforce.

The targeted demographic includes opportunity youth aged 16 to 24 who may face various challenges such as being young parents or former foster youth. The initiative aims to offer paid training in sectors like health and safety careers, entertainment industry jobs through Hollywood Cinema Production Resources, entry-level firefighter positions via San Diego Miramar College Pre-Apprenticeship Fire Academy, hospitality roles through the Hospitality Training Academy (HTA), and education paraprofessional positions through the Tulare County Office of Education.

Adele Burnes, DAS Chief, remarked on the collaborative efforts of community organizations supporting opportunity youth: “Watching community organizations unite to support opportunity youth through apprenticeships has been truly inspiring.” The funding will assist organizations in developing apprenticeship programs by providing stipends and supportive services.

Since 2019, California has registered over 215,000 apprentices. This initiative is part of Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Career Education which seeks to expand youth apprenticeships by enhancing career pathways and removing barriers for those seeking skills before obtaining a college degree. The state aims to serve half a million apprentices by 2029.