California Divide
This Central Valley program helps Californians get six-figure jobs
ValleyBuild is a workforce development program that helps applicants into apprenticeships for construction trades.
What’s Working
Commentary
How early care apprenticeships can help address California’s dire teacher shortage
California is losing teachers while also preparing for even greater demand under the expansion of transitional kindergarten. Apprenticeship programs that prepare teachers for a career in early care education can help build the pipeline California needs.
Commentary
Hitch in higher ed master plan: California’s colleges still don’t work well together
California's master plan for the University of California, California State University and dozens of community colleges to work cooperatively never panned out. It's time to change it.
Commentary
California will need more than just policy to prepare for an aging workforce
Without adequate workforce opportunities for older adults, their quality of life and California's economy could take a staggering hit. The challenge can’t be solved with policy alone.
Economy
Nonprofits seek to get more women into construction trades
Jessica Alvarez Castañeda was sick of low-paying jobs. For years, the 39-year-old mother of four had been “breaking her back for almost nothing” as a cashier, nursing assistant, babysitter, house cleaner and cook. She was familiar with the skilled trades, which include careers such as carpentry, roofing and painting, because her three brothers worked as […]
Economy
Career education is redundant and convoluted. Gavin Newsom says he’ll fix it
California taxpayers fund career education at high schools, adult schools, community colleges, regional occupational programs and for-profit trade schools. Critics say it reflects “an incredible lack of coordination.” The governor says he’s producing a “master plan” to remedy that.
Education
California rolls out career path grants to schools – nearly a year late
After delays and mishaps, California announces $450 million for high school career pathways.
California Divide
Public private coalition, seeking to promote equity, creates opportunities for small and minority-owned Californian businesses
The Equity in Infrastructure Project has helped companies like Global Electric as billions of federal dollars flow into California infrastructure projects.
Technology
Semiconductor industry seeks apprentices to meet the rising need for workers
Through conferences, grants, and other mechanisms, the SEMI Foundation has been trying to fill the increasing number of semiconductor jobs in California.
Commentary
California’s water workforce is aging. Promoting the next generation of workers is essential
A career building and maintaining California's water infrastructure might be unglamorous but it's an essential and well-paying field as the state faces a looming shortage.