OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 25, 2016 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded a $1.8 million ApprenticeshipUSA grant to the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) to develop and expand apprenticeship programs in California.
The federal grant will bolster DIR and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards’ (DAS) plan to double the number of registered apprentices over the next 10 years, to engage non-traditional, emerging and high-growth industries in apprenticeship, and increase opportunities for women and low-income groups.
“Apprenticeship programs are one of the best paths that workers can choose to find world-class on-the-job training that leads to good-paying careers,” said California Labor and Workforce Development Secretary David M. Lanier. “California is home to the nation’s largest and fastest-growing apprenticeship system, and this funding will help us expand opportunities for jobs that lead families to the middle class.”
California has more than 73,000 active apprentices, the most in the nation.
“The grant recognizes California’s commitment to apprenticeship and the investment needed to ensure our state will meet the needs for skilled labor in the near future,” said DIR Director Christine Baker. “This funding will allow us to expand into new industries and offer more career opportunities to workers.”
Key activities supported by the $1.8 million grant include:
- Business engagement in key industries including advanced manufacturing, transportation, information and communication technology, and healthcare.
- Increased diversity and equity in apprenticeship opportunities targeting women, minorities, people with disabilities and lower-income groups.
- Development of a robust data management system to track apprenticeship program performance and outcomes.
The Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) creates opportunities for Californians to gain employable lifetime skills and provides employers with a highly skilled and experienced workforce while strengthening California’s economy.
Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR’s Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers’ Information line at 866-924-9757 also offers recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.
Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR’s press releases or other departmental updates.
The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR’s Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.
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