The Foundation’s workforce development department supports the creation of apprenticeship opportunities through its involvement with the California Apprenticeship Initiative (CAI), a grant opportunity offered by the CCCCO to support the creation of new apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeship training programs. The Foundation provides technical assistance to 37 projects and 20 sectors through coaching to increase student and employer engagement and fostering a shared community of practice for college supervisors of apprenticeship programs.
Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the-job training (OJT) and related classroom instruction that takes place under the supervision of a journey-level craft person or trade professional, in which workers learn the practical and theoretical aspects of a highly skilled occupation. Journey-level experience refers to a person who has completed an apprenticeship program or is an experienced worker, not a trainee, and is fully qualified and able to perform a specific trade without supervision. California has the largest apprenticeship system in the country, with many of the existing programs connected directly with California Community Colleges.
Apprenticeships and the Economy
The apprenticeship model is leading the way in preparing American workers to compete in today’s economy. Apprenticeship is a flexible training strategy that can be customized to meet the needs of any business and to keep pace with advancing technologies. Apprentices can be new hires, or businesses can select current employees who need skill upgrades to join the apprenticeship program. While it is used in traditional industries such as construction and manufacturing, apprenticeship is also instrumental for training and development in growing industries, such as health care, information technology, transportation and logistics, and energy.
CAI Hub
The Foundation for California Community Colleges administers the CAI Hub, an online resource designed to provide information and resources to recipients of the CAI and anyone else who is interested in expanding apprenticeship opportunities.
Users can post articles, ask and answer questions, and participate in discussions. It's is a place for people who are passionate about apprenticeship to connect, obtain information and share experiences. Visit the CAI Hub website >