News Summary
The California Department of Industrial Relations has allocated $26 million in grants to enhance the participation of women and disadvantaged communities in construction apprenticeships. With a focus on recruitment, support, and retention, various programs, including those at Cerritos College and the Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council, will benefit from this funding. Despite low representation of women in the field, upcoming initiatives aim to provide hands-on training and support, helping to increase diversity and address ongoing challenges in the construction industry.
California Distributes $26 Million in Grants to Expand Opportunities for Women and Disadvantaged Communities in Construction Apprenticeships
Los Angeles, CA – The California Department of Industrial Relations has announced the allocation of $26 million in Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grants aimed at increasing access and participation among women and disadvantaged communities in construction training programs. This funding marks the second round of ERiCA grants, following an initial disbursement of $25 million to 19 programs.
Key Focus Areas and Award Recipients
The ERiCA grants will support programs across three essential areas: recruitment, support, and retention of construction workers from underrepresented groups. Among the notable recipients are:
- Cerritos College received $1.25 million to bolster its field ironwork apprenticeship program.
- Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council Apprenticeship Readiness Fund was awarded $2.5 million to improve childcare availability, boost recruitment efforts, and foster a positive worksite culture.
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California secured $550,000 with the ambitious goal of doubling women enrollment in its programs within two years.
Upcoming Initiatives and Training Opportunities
In addition to grants, a new program launching on April 7 in Northern California will focus on recruiting women into trade professions through an all-women’s Multi Craft Core Curriculum apprentice readiness program. This six-week training will provide hands-on experience, covering nearly 20 trade fields, safety procedures, apprenticeship pathways, and math skills. The program, developed by the San Joaquin Building Trades Council (SJBTC), is actively seeking applicants to help women successfully navigate the application process for union-based apprenticeships.
Workforce Development Goals and State Strategies
Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai emphasized the importance of expanding apprenticeship participation, noting the state’s need to double the number of apprentices to meet Governor Gavin Newsom’s target of training 500,000 apprentices by 2029. To facilitate this, California’s budget includes “innovation funding” designed to scale up apprenticeship intermediaries and provide supplemental instruction comparable to community college courses.
Challenges Facing Women in Construction Apprenticeships
Despite the promising opportunities, participation by women in construction apprenticeships remains low, with women representing only 4% of California’s apprentices in the trades in 2021. Since the early 2000s, this participation has declined, partly due to the state’s affirmative action ban.
The Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER) program remains one of the few initiatives specifically targeting women. However, WINTER has faced setbacks during the pandemic, including canceled training cohorts and loss of its training venue. Challenges such as unstable housing and financial insecurity can hinder women’s ability to participate fully in training programs.
Support Systems and Future Efforts
Experts highlight the need for comprehensive support systems, including case managers, to assist women in overcoming barriers to entering the trades. Additionally, increased marketing efforts are essential to raise awareness about career opportunities in construction for women. To this end, California plans to allocate $15 million in the upcoming budget year for a “Women in Construction Priority Program”.
Background and Context
Construction remains a promising sector with numerous job opportunities. However, gender disparity continues to pose a challenge, with women historically underrepresented in apprenticeship programs. The state’s efforts through grants and specialized programs aim to address these disparities and build a more diverse workforce.
Overall, California’s targeted investments and initiatives reflect a strategic approach to fostering inclusive growth within the construction industry, encouraging more women and disadvantaged communities to pursue careers in skilled trades.
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HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Insurance Journal: California Announces $26 Million for Women in Construction
- MSN Money: California Invests in Women Construction Careers
- KCRA: ValleyBuild Trains Women in Northern California
- LAist: California’s Push for Women in Construction Apprenticeships
- California Globe: Apprenticeship Programs Under the Labor Code
- Wikipedia: Construction Industry
- Google Search: Women in Construction
- Google Scholar: Construction Apprenticeships California
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Apprenticeship
- Google News: Women in Construction California
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