San Diego, CA (March 13, 2024) – Amid growing skepticism about the value of a traditional college education, registered apprenticeship programs emerge as an overlooked yet compelling alternative. These “earn and learn” training programs allow students to earn wages, gain work experience, and receive classroom instruction—at no cost to them. Due to their importance in workforce development, Governor Gavin Newsom set an ambitious goal to expand California’s registered apprenticeship system to serve 500,000 apprentices by 2029.
However, a new report from the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence (COE), the leading source of regional workforce information for the California Community Colleges, illuminates the considerable gap in achieving that goal. Currently, we have not attained even half of the intended progress. The report pinpoints crucial challenges and offers recommendations to diversify and grow registered apprenticeship programs. These are formal programs registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) or U.S. Department of Labor, making them eligible for government funds and other benefits, as opposed to informal apprenticeships or internships.
Nationally, 87 percent of apprentices obtain employment after program completion, with an average starting salary of $50,000. For every dollar spent on apprenticeships, employers receive an average return of $1.47 in increased productivity and reduced waste. However, for decades, the Energy, Construction, Utilities (ECU) sector dominated the apprenticeship landscape, with four times as many registered apprenticeship programs than Public Safety & Government, which ranks second in both the state and region for apprenticeships. The COE calls for more diversification in not just the types of students, but also the types of programs developed.
“One of the most valuable tools in the report is a curated list of high-wage, high-demand, and ‘apprenticeable’ occupations in San Diego and Imperial Counties,” said Tina Ngo Bartel, COE executive director. “The DAS already approved these occupations for funding in other programs, which makes it easier for our region to develop new registered apprenticeships in Advanced Manufacturing, Information & Communication Technologies (ICT), Health, and Advanced Transportation & Logistics.”
The COE’s examination of labor market and apprenticeship data identified key areas for focus and action in the report, including:
Addressing Gender Imbalance: Men outnumber women in registered apprenticeship programs nine-to-one. To promote equitable growth, the COE emphasizes the need for inclusive pre-apprenticeship programs with resources for childcare, transportation, and housing to target traditionally underrepresented individuals, such as women in ECU and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) in ICT.
Overcoming Data Gaps: Limited availability of centralized data on apprentice headcounts, program sponsors, employers, and education providers hamper a comprehensive understanding of active apprenticeship programs. The COE recommends consolidating relevant data sets into a user-friendly tool to maximize funding opportunities and measure progress in equitable program development.
Fostering Regional Collaboration: To bridge gaps and enhance the apprenticeship landscape, the COE advocates for collaboration between Local Educational Agencies (LEAs), Career Technical Education programs, student support services, and employers. The report suggests that the San Diego & Imperial Regional Consortium can play a vital role in providing intermediary services and reducing duplication of efforts.
“Apprenticeships are a model that benefits everyone involved,” said Dr. Danene Brown, Chair of the San Diego & Imperial Regional Consortium for the community colleges. “Students gain valuable skills, work experience, and wages while they learn; employers get a ready-trained workforce that is already familiar with their company culture; and colleges get to see their students succeed in the workforce.”
Finally, the report advocates for increased collaboration between regional and statewide partners and calls for the creation of a regional apprenticeship ecosystem. This strategic initiative could streamline processes, facilitate information sharing, and fortify the foundation of sustainable apprenticeship programs.
To view the full report, please visit: coeccc.net/san-diego-imperial/2024/02/opportunities-for-apprenticeships-in-san-diego-imperial-counties
Those interested in establishing apprenticeship programs in collaboration with local community colleges are invited to contact the Regional Consortium’s Apprenticeship Program Manager Molly Ash at Molly.Ash@gcccd.edu or Apprenticeship Director Joseph (Joe) Stark at joseph.stark@gcccd.edu.
About the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence (COE)
As part of the California Community College system, the San Diego & Imperial Center of Excellence uses research and training to advocate on behalf of employers and students’ workforce needs. The COE’s objectives include building community college capacity to close systemic equity gaps; unifying the San Diego & Imperial regional workforce ecosystem; advocating for equitable changes to policies, processes, and practices in education and economic/workforce development. Learn more at coeccc.net/region/san-diego-imperial
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