Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday unveiled the final framework for the Master Plan for Career Education, a sweeping initiative aimed at creating high-paying career pathways for Californians with and without four-year degrees, the Governor’s Office said in a news release.

Supported by new budget investments, the plan seeks to align education, workforce training, and industry needs, while removing barriers to career success.

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“Every Californian deserves the opportunity to build real-life skills and pursue a fulfilling career — including those that don’t require college degrees,” Newsom said. “California is working to ensure that every person has what they need to get a well-paying, long-lasting job so we can build an economy for the future that supports all families.”

The plan includes several key initiatives, such as the introduction of “Career Passports,” digital tools that allow workers to showcase verified skills and experiences, including those gained outside the classroom.

The state will also scale its Credit for Prior Learning program, enabling veterans and other workers to turn real-world experience into college credits.

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The initiative is expected to benefit 250,000 Californians, including 30,000 veterans, providing an average of $26,115 in immediate savings per veteran and up to $28.8 billion in long-term economic benefits over two decades.

In a step to modernize hiring practices, Newsom announced the removal of college degree requirements for nearly 30,000 state jobs, with plans to double that number next year.

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The initiative aims to prioritize skills over degrees, streamline hiring, and expand access to public service roles, as California’s unemployment rate rises to 5.4% in October, according to the Employment Development Department.

The complete plan, along with an economic blueprint for job-creating projects, will be released early next year, according to Gov. Newsom’s office.