California is investing $24.7 million in apprenticeship programs across various industries, supporting over 8,000 positions that will offer participants an average wage of $32 per hour.

The funding, announced by Governor Gavin Newsom following his Fresno visit, will be distributed among 65 apprenticeship programs spanning healthcare, transportation, education, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and public sector jobs.

“We’re taking a bottom-up approach to making sure Californians get the skills they need to get good-paying jobs in every region of the state,” said Governor Newsom, highlighting the program’s potential impact on family wages.

This second round of the Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF) program aims to create earn-and-learn pathways meeting current workforce demands. The initiative is part of California’s larger goal to serve 500,000 apprentices by 2029, with 190,915 already participating, maintaining the state’s position as the nation’s leader in registered apprenticeships.

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According to Katie Hagen, DIR Director, “This investment reflects California’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that our labor sectors have access to a steady pipeline of skilled talent, while also opening doors for many Californians to train for high-demand careers and earn a paycheck.”

The announcement follows the unveiling of the California Jobs First Economic Blueprint, which will guide state investments over the next decade. The complete blueprint, expected early next year, includes $120 million for job-creating projects statewide within the next three years.

Read more at the official website of the Governor of California