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 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.