Governor Gavin Newsom made a promise during his 2018 campaign: to create 500,000 new apprenticeships in California by 2029. This was part of his strategy to enhance job opportunities across the state. As of now, California is on track to meet that goal, with approximately 200,000 registered apprenticeships already created.
But recently, Newsom claimed a much higher number—625,000 job opportunities. So, what’s behind this new figure? Let’s break it down.
Understanding the Numbers
The 200,000 figure refers specifically to “registered apprenticeships.” These are programs where apprentices are treated as employees, receive structured training, and are paid throughout their training. Registered apprenticeships, often led by unions, usually require prior education or work experience. For instance, firefighter apprenticeships are the largest in the state but are highly selective.
The 625,000 number, on the other hand, includes more than just registered apprenticeships. Newsom’s team added participants from various other programs, such as internships and training initiatives. For example, one program trained farmworkers on recycling and composting. However, these workers received little or no pay during their training, and the programs don’t meet the state’s definition of an apprenticeship.
What Officials Say
Stewart Knox, Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency, defended including these programs in the larger number. He emphasized that while they’re not registered apprenticeships, they still help people gain skills and access jobs. Knox also reassured that California is still on track to achieve the original goal of 500,000 registered apprenticeships.
“For me, it’s less about the goal and more about the people we’re helping,” said Knox.
Significant Investments in Job Training
Since Newsom took office, California has made huge investments in job training. The state has allocated $5.7 billion for various workforce development programs, including registered apprenticeships. Experts like Brent Parton, who helped draft California’s apprenticeship strategy, say the investments are setting the state on a strong path to success.
According to Parton, registered apprenticeships guarantee job placement, training, and certification similar to a college degree. But some of the programs Newsom included in the 625,000 figure only provide partial benefits, such as internships without guaranteed jobs.
The Debate Around Apprenticeship Definitions
The debate isn’t just about numbers. It’s also about how we define “apprenticeships.” Former President Donald Trump’s 2017 executive order allowed companies more flexibility to create their own apprenticeships. Democrats like Newsom have taken a more traditional approach, focusing on state-registered programs.
Even though many of Newsom’s cited programs don’t qualify as apprenticeships, officials argue they act as stepping stones for people facing employment barriers. For instance, one program used $11 million in grants to train 600 young people as emergency medical technicians (EMTs). While these students received stipends during training, they didn’t have guaranteed jobs afterward.
Real Impact on Job Seekers
Some programs have seen success. The nonprofit Public Works Alliance, which runs EMT training programs, boasts a 90% employment rate for graduates. However, wages for EMTs remain relatively low—$18 to $24 an hour. Graduates can pursue higher-paying firefighter apprenticeships, but these positions are highly competitive, with long waiting times.
Many participants face additional challenges, such as being foster youth or having been involved in the juvenile justice system. Organizations are working to create more apprenticeship opportunities to give these individuals a clearer path to better jobs.
The Bottom Line
Governor Newsom’s larger claim of 625,000 job opportunities includes a wide range of training programs, not just apprenticeships. While these programs do provide valuable skills and opportunities, they don’t all meet the official definition of apprenticeships. Despite this, California’s unprecedented investments in job training are likely to help the state achieve its goals, whether the final number is 500,000 or 625,000.
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