California Construction News staff writer
California has announced $8 million to expand access to training and careers in the building and construction trades.
The California Workforce Development Board, in partnership with the California Department of Transportation, will fund 13 projects statewide through the High Road Construction Careers 2026 Grant Program.
An additional $19 million is expected to be announced later this year.
The program funds worker training for public infrastructure and construction projects and pathways into pre-apprenticeship and joint apprenticeship programs for people who have traditionally faced barriers to employment in the construction trades, including women, veterans and justice-involved individuals.
The initiative prioritizes placing graduates who have completed the Multi-Craft Core Curriculum into infrastructure projects identified by Caltrans. When immediate placement is not available, graduates can be connected with other apprenticeship and supportive services.
“Infrastructure is vital to economic opportunity, and that vitality starts with the people who build it,” said Kaina Pereira, executive director of the California Workforce Development Board. “Our High Road to Construction Careers partnership with Caltrans provides the training needed to connect Californians to these opportunities to build the present and the future.”
It’s part of a broader state effort to promote workforce development focused on equity, quality jobs and climate resilience. It also supports Newsom’s goal of serving 500,000 earn-and-learn apprentices by 2029.
“Caltrans is proud to partner with the California Workforce Development Board to expand pathways into meaningful, well-paid construction trades careers,” said Dina El-Tawansy, Caltrans director. “These investments will strengthen our ability to deliver vital infrastructure projects while ensuring that the workforce building California’s future reflects the diversity and talent of the communities we serve.”
The CWDB plans to issue a second High Road Construction Careers 2026 funding solicitation for $19 million during the 2026-27 fiscal year.
The second round will target projects with strong hiring demand and alignment with infrastructure investments. The phased approach is intended to maintain existing workforce capacity while directing future investments to areas with the greatest need and opportunity.
