California Construction News staff writer
$25 million in grants for 88 apprenticeship programs will train 22,208 California workers in the skilled trades, primarily in the construction industry.
The funding, approved through the state’s Employment Training Panel (ETP), will support apprenticeships for women, veterans, justice-involved individuals, and people transitioning from unemployment or low-wage work. It follows a separate $30 million investment announced last week to expand apprenticeship opportunities in health care, education, and technology.
“Apprenticeships aren’t just a pathway to a job, they’re the foundation for a lasting career,” said Stewart Knox, secretary of the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. “These grants will provide thousands of Californians with the tools they need to build skills, gain stability, and step into careers that support their families and communities.”
The ETP funds employer-led training programs using revenue from the Employment Training Tax, rather than the state’s general fund. The Newsom administration has set a goal of supporting 500,000 apprentices by 2029 to strengthen California’s workforce and expand access to high-paying jobs that don’t require a college degree.
Construction remains one of California’s economic anchors, generating more than $156 billion annually and employing nearly one million people. Apprenticeships in the sector are seen as a reliable pipeline for skilled labor, developed jointly by labor unions and employers to meet industry needs.
Since 2012, ETP’s apprenticeship funding has grown from $6 million to about $25 million annually, accounting for roughly a quarter of the panel’s total training funds. Under Newsom’s administration, ETP has supported nearly 100,000 apprentices across the state.
“ETP is proud to invest in high-wage, high-road job training programs that are directly aligned with industry needs,” said Dr. Jessica Grimes, ETP’s executive director.
