Public Sector SubCommittee
The IACA Public Sector Subcommittee is focused on reimagining what public sector apprenticeships and work-based learning can be, making them more inclusive, innovative, and built for long-term success. We’re committed to developing apprenticeship models that offer hands-on experience, industry-recognized credentials, and clear, income-driven pathways from entry-level roles to leadership positions. Our goal is to expand access to high-quality, earn-and-learn opportunities, especially for underrepresented groups, by addressing the unique challenges within public sector hiring. Through close collaboration with agencies, education partners, and workforce organizations, we’re shaping forward-thinking strategies that strengthen and diversify California’s public sector through sustainable, impactful apprenticeship and work-based learning programs.
Message from the Chair
Erica L. Manuel
CEO & Executive Director
Institute for Local Government
Welcome, and thank you for your interest in the Public Sector Subcommittee of the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (IACA). I’m honored to serve as Chair and to work alongside such passionate leaders from community based organizations, labor, education, and government who are committed to growing California’s public sector workforce through the power of Registered Apprenticeship.
California’s public sector is a super-sector—home to a broad range of industries including healthcare, public safety, utilities, infrastructure, education, and more. As one of the largest employers in the state, the public sector offers not only stable employment but meaningful, mission-driven careers that shape our communities.
Our subcommittee was created to explore innovative, non-traditional apprenticeships that address the workforce challenges faced by public agencies at the state, county, city, and special district levels. Through quarterly meetings and year-round collaboration, we work to develop sustainable, income-driven career pathways while increasing access and equity for underrepresented groups such as women, veterans, people with disabilities, and individuals from low-income backgrounds.
Guided by our charter, we prioritize cross-sector partnerships, the development of industry-informed occupational frameworks, and strategies to remove barriers to apprenticeship. We are also charged with identifying best practices in recruitment and retention, providing policy guidance to the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, and fostering collaboration with fellow IACA subcommittees.
I invite you to join us in this work—attend our meetings, share your insights, and be part of California’s growing movement to build a diverse and resilient public sector workforce.
Committee Members
Meg Vasey
Executive Director, Tradeswomen, Inc
Tradeswomen, Inc.
Oriana Maghoney
Staff Development Coordinator, San Joaquin County Apprenticeship
San Joaquin County Apprenticeship Program
Orrian Willis
Senior Workforce Development Specialist, City and County of San Francisco
City and County of San Francisco
Leona Smith Di Faustino
Executive Director, Worker Education & Resource Center, Inc
Worker Education & Resource Center, Inc
Ken Anyanwu
Apprenticeship Coordinator, SEIU
SEIU Local 1000
Ryan K. Jefferson, PhD
Committee Advisor
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
Nicole Pacada
Committee Advisor
Division of Apprenticeship Standards
Committee Charter, Reports and Meeting Notes
Industry Occupational Frameworks
Events/What’s News
Contact Us
September 2025