California is making another significant investment in diversifying its construction workforce. The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) announced it has awarded $26 million in Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grants to 25 apprenticeship programs aimed at increasing opportunities for women and other underrepresented groups in the industry.

This marks the second round of ERiCA funding. In the first round, $25 million was distributed to 19 programs statewide. The initiative reflects the state’s ongoing effort to dismantle barriers to entry in construction, particularly for women, parents, and disadvantaged communities.

The newly allocated funds will support three primary objectives:

Childcare Assistance

‍$11.8 million will help cover childcare costs for pre-apprentices and apprentices, addressing one of the top barriers preventing parents—especially mothers—from entering or remaining in the trades.

Targeted Recruitment

‍$7.2 million will be dedicated to outreach programs designed to improve gender representation and promote equity within construction apprenticeships.

Worksite Culture & Mentorship

‍$7 million will be used to foster inclusive and respectful jobsite environments. This includes funding for mentoring, mental health resources, anti-harassment initiatives, and anti-discrimination training for crews.

“In this round, 25 building trades organizations that work with programs to recruit, support, and retain workers are receiving funding,” the department noted.

Notable grant recipients include

Cerritos College

Awarded $1.25 million to enhance its field ironwork apprenticeship program.

Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council Apprenticeship Readiness Fund

Received $2.5 million for childcare, recruitment, and worksite culture improvements.

Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California

Granted $550,000 with a goal of doubling the number of women enrolled in its programs over the next two years.

Industry leaders say the ERiCA program has the potential to address both workforce shortages and long-standing inequities in the construction sector. Supporters point out that providing childcare, mentorship, and a safe work environment are essential for recruitment and retention—especially as California prepares for a surge in infrastructure projects funded by federal and state initiatives.

This funding arrives at a time when construction employers across the state are facing an urgent need for skilled workers. The push to recruit more women is seen not only as a matter of equity but also as a practical solution to expand the labor pool.

Advocates also emphasize that the culture shift supported by ERiCA grants—through anti-harassment training and on-the-job mentorship—will be critical to ensuring women not only enter but thrive in the industry.

By investing in childcare support and jobsite inclusivity, California is positioning itself as a national leader in tackling the structural challenges that have historically kept women out of construction.

Originally reported by Insurance Journal.