California Powers Economic Growth with Diverse Apprenticeship Pathways: $75 Million in Apprenticeship Innovation Funding Now Available

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: California is rolling out more funding to support the expansion of apprenticeships to new industries.

SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) are pleased to announce the second round of Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF). This funding makes $75 million available for FY 2023-2024 to support apprenticeship program sponsors associated with the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (IACA). These sectors include healthcare, transportation, education, advanced manufacturing, information technology and every sector outside the building and fire trades.

To maximize the impact of the Second AIF Round, DAS is inviting program sponsors of IACA occupation apprenticeship programs to take advantage of this funding. The application process is now open, has been streamlined to ensure ease, and will process submissions on a rolling basis.

For more information and to apply, please visit the DAS web page.

WHY IT MATTERS:

California is leading the nation in fostering inclusive workforce development by supporting apprenticeship programs that offer varied and accessible pathways to career advancement. By providing funding to IACA apprenticeship programs across various industries, California is ensuring we remove financial barriers associated with launching and scaling apprenticeship programs. This investment will create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals to meet the demands of an ever-changing workforce landscape.

Maximizing Impact: Application, Eligibility, and Funding Essential Details

What DAS Deputy Chief Adele Burnes said:

“This AIF formula funding of apprenticeships across so many sectors is unlocking the potential of apprenticeship to scale to meet the talent needs of more employers while also creating accessible onramps into careers for all Californians.”

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.  

Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161

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