OAKLAND, Calif. — California is stepping up its investment in the next generation of construction workers with a $20 million boost for apprenticeship programs that will strengthen the state’s capacity to meet growing infrastructure demands.

The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) announced the funding this week through the California Apprenticeship Council (CAC) Training Funds, marking a nearly sevenfold increase in apprenticeship training dollars compared to prior budgets.

“California has been analyzing how best to grow the building trades workforce to meet the state’s critical infrastructure requirements. This funding will be vital to expanding pathways for apprentices to advance their careers while simultaneously meeting industry needs,” said DAS Chief Adele Burnes in the announcement.

The new funding will be distributed to eligible apprenticeship programs statewide through a formula-based process, with applications opening in September. To qualify, programs must demonstrate a history of training and supporting apprentices in building trades work, especially on public works projects.

A Response to Urgent Needs

California’s massive infrastructure push — from housing to roads to energy and climate resilience — is colliding with an aging skilled workforce and labor shortages in the construction sector. The state’s leaders see apprenticeships as a vital tool to keep major projects on track.

DIR officials emphasized that this investment will help apprenticeship programs expand training capacity, invest in modern equipment, recruit and retain instructors, and develop updated curricula to adapt to evolving industry standards and technologies.

The new funds align with Governor Gavin Newsom’s Master Plan for Education, which prioritizes multiple career pathways that don’t rely exclusively on a four-year degree. Paid apprenticeships offer Californians a debt-free route to secure, family-sustaining jobs in high-demand sectors.

Ambitious Targets

California currently leads the nation in active apprenticeships. Governor Newsom’s administration has set an ambitious goal to grow that number to 500,000 apprentices by 2029, a target that includes not just the building trades but also emerging sectors like clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.

“Expanding access to equitable building trades apprenticeships is a cornerstone of our Five-Point Action Plan,” said the DAS in a statement, referencing a statewide strategy developed with the Labor Workforce Development Agency (LWDA) to scale high-quality apprenticeship programs across industries.

Under the Five-Point Action Plan, DAS collaborates closely with employers, unions, and training providers to design apprenticeships that address regional labor market needs, promote diversity and equity in the trades, and build a resilient workforce for the future.

Who Benefits

Many of the state’s largest infrastructure efforts — including housing production, transportation upgrades, water systems, and green energy development — depend on a steady pipeline of skilled tradespeople.

The expanded CAC funds will help programs invest in hands-on learning environments and maintain robust safety and technical training standards that keep pace with modern construction demands.

Programs can apply for reimbursement of training costs, which can include costs for tools, updated technology, instructor certification, and new recruitment strategies targeting underrepresented communities.

“This is about creating real, debt-free career opportunities for Californians while ensuring we have the workforce needed to deliver the infrastructure our communities depend on,” said Burnes.

What’s Next

Applications for the new apprenticeship training funds will open in September, with priority given to programs that actively serve public works projects and demonstrate a commitment to high-quality, inclusive training.

For more details, apprenticeship program leaders and employers are encouraged to visit the DIR website or contact Communications@dir.ca.gov or (510) 286-1161 for application guidelines and support.

With this historic funding increase, California continues to chart a national course in modern workforce development — building ladders to stable careers while laying the literal foundation for the state’s future.

Originally reported by DIR, State of California.