Apprenticeship Pathways Project

The Apprenticeship Pathways Project is an initiative aimed at creating a clear pathway for foster youth, former foster youth, and homeless youth ages 16 to 26 in California to access and complete apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships. The project collaborates with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) and chairs the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships Homeless & Foster Youth Subcommittee. Its goals include increasing the number of apprentices by providing paid apprenticeships for youth aged 16 to 26 who are foster youth, former foster youth, or homeless.

To start this journey, interested youth are directed to the Division of Apprenticeship Standards website, specifically the "How to Become an Apprentice" page.

For a list of exciting courses and events which can help you on the path to an apprenticeship or entry level learning position please see our Events and Entry Level Opportunities and Classes web page.

For any inquiries or to post event information, individuals can contact the project at ApprenticeshipPathways@dss.ca.gov.

Background

The project was initiated in July 2022 following the passage of Assembly Bill 565 (2021), which led to the formation of the Homeless & Foster Youth Subcommittee as a part of the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships (IACA). This subcommittee works to identify and address barriers that foster and homeless youth face in accessing apprenticeships and will submit a report with its findings to the state Legislature.

All of the IACA Meetings are open to the public and we welcome anyone to listen or comment. All public meeting information is posted on the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) website and we look forward to growing this project, serving our youth, and welcoming any feedback or comments during the development of this.

National Apprenticeship Week 2026

National Apprenticeship Week 2026 will take place from April 26 – May 2, 2026, focusing on the theme "America at Work: Making America Skilled Again through Registered Apprenticeship". This 12^th annual National Apprenticeship Week, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Labor, is an annual nationwide event expo that brings together employers, educators, state agencies, unions, and other partners to showcase how Registered Apprenticeship programs expand career pathways for American workers while helping businesses drive economic growth across industries.

The California Department of Social Services in partnership with the Division of Apprenticeship Standards is organizing a series of virtual informational sessions to connect foster youth, former foster youth, and youth experiencing homelessness with registered apprenticeship opportunities. These sessions will feature industry leaders and educational partners from across California who will share their programs, insights, and pathways into apprenticeships.

National Apprenticeship Week Calendar of Events

For more information or questions regarding specific events, please contact us at ApprenticeshipPathways@dss.ca.gov.