California has approved $25 million in grants to fund 88 apprenticeship programs through the state’s Employment Training Panel (ETP), aiming to train more than 22,000 workers in skilled trades. The initiative, supported by employer-paid taxes rather than the state’s General Fund, focuses on building long-term, high-quality careers in industries like construction. State leaders emphasized that apprenticeships are key to developing sustainable career paths and strengthening California’s economy. According to officials, these programs align directly with industry needs and will provide participants with the tools to secure stable, well-paying jobs that support both families and communities.
The investment comes at a time when construction remains one of California’s most vital industries, generating over $156 billion annually and employing nearly one million people. Apprenticeships are especially valuable for those without college degrees, offering accessible entry points into high-demand careers. Under Governor Newsom’s administration, the ETP has already supported nearly 100,000 apprentices. Participants like Sandra Molina and Andrea Clemens shared how the programs helped them rebuild their lives and find meaningful employment, while advocates like Juanita Douglas of Tradeswomen, Inc. continue pushing to attract more women to the trades. Together, these efforts underscore California’s commitment to expanding opportunity and workforce diversity in the skilled trades sector.
