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NEWS RELEASE
Release Number: 2022-94
Date: November 14, 2022

DIR, DAS Celebrate National Apprenticeship Week with Virtual Event on November 16 for Inclusive Healthcare Apprenticeships

National Apprenticeship Week (NAW) takes place this year from November 14-20. To celebrate the eighth annual NAW, the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) are hosting a virtual event, “Inclusive Healthcare Apprenticeships,” on November 16 from 12:30-2 p.m. PT.

“Registered apprenticeship programs open the door to good paying careers and can create new pathways to advancement for workers,” said DAS Chief Eric Rood. “This event will show how California is investing in creating innovative and inclusive apprenticeship programs in healthcare and across our economy.”

Participants in the November 16 event include California Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai, who will speak on the value of apprenticeship in building a pipeline to quality jobs in health care, as well as advancing racial and gender equality and supporting underserved communities. Also scheduled are speakers from Kaiser Permanente, Dignity Health, two dental offices, and the California Firefighter Joint Apprenticeship Committee. A Licensed Vocational Nurse working towards being a Registered Nurse will share her experience. Adele Burnes, Deputy Chief of the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, will facilitate the conversation.
Visit the DAS events page to register for the event.

Governor Newsom celebrates and recognizes NAW, taking place this year from November 14-20, by issuing a commemorative letter

“With over 90,000 active registered apprentices, California is already a national leader,” said DIR Director Katie S. Hagen. “National Apprenticeship Week is an opportunity to highlight the critical role apprenticeship plays in our economy and workforce, and allows us to share the investment California is making into healthcare and apprenticeship.”

A new funding source, Apprenticeship Innovation Funding, was created this past July to grow programs that don’t traditionally utilize the apprenticeship model, like programs in healthcare. The state has allocated $175 million over 3 years to support the ongoing costs of these programs and classroom training. Funds will be allocated to scale and support both new and existing programs.

Established by the U.S. Department of Labor, National Apprenticeship Week showcases the impact that registered apprenticeship programs have in advancing racial and gender equity, supporting underserved communities and re-building our economy. Events are taking place throughout California. To learn more visit www.apprenticeship.gov/NAW.

The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Apprenticeship Standards consults with employers to develop a skilled workforce, by establishing innovative apprenticeship programs that offer training, to create viable career pathways for Californians.
Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161