News Summary
The California Department of Industrial Relations announces $26 million in grants for the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship program, aimed at increasing opportunities for women and disadvantaged communities in construction. The funding will support 25 apprenticeship programs statewide, focusing on recruitment, retention, and support for workers, with additional initiatives to encourage women to join the construction trades. This effort builds on previous funding and highlights the state’s commitment to diversity and equity in the workforce.
Sacramento – The California Department of Industrial Relations has announced the allocation of $26 million in grants under the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) program, aimed at expanding opportunities for women and disadvantaged communities in the construction sector. A total of 25 construction apprenticeship programs across the state will benefit from this funding, which is part of California’s ongoing commitment to diversity and equity in the workforce.
This latest round of ERiCA grants is a continuation of the state’s efforts, building on an earlier round that distributed $25 million to 19 programs. The focus of the funding will be on three key areas: recruitment, support, and retention of workers in the construction field. Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai emphasized that in order to meet Governor Gavin Newsom’s goal of training 500,000 apprentices by 2029, California must double the number of apprentices currently in training programs.
Among the notable recipients of this round of funding are Cerritos College, which received $1.25 million for its field ironwork apprenticeship program; the Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council Apprenticeship Readiness Fund, awarded $2.5 million to enhance childcare services, recruitment, and worksite culture; and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California, which received $550,000 with an aim to significantly increase the enrollment of women in its programs over the next two years.
One innovative initiative launching on April 7 in Northern California is an all-women’s Multi Craft Core Curriculum apprentice readiness program, designed specifically to recruit women into various trade professions. This six-week program will offer hands-on training in nearly 20 trade fields, along with opportunities for apprenticeship, safety training, and essential math skills. The program is actively seeking applicants and aims to support women in applying for union apprenticeship programs in construction.
Despite significant opportunities available within the construction industry, women represented only 4% of California’s construction apprentices in 2021. This figure reflects a concerning decline in women’s participation in construction apprenticeships since the early 2000s, a trend partially attributed to the state’s affirmative action ban. WINTER (Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles) stands out as one of the few programs dedicated to recruiting women into construction apprenticeships. However, WINTER has faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, such as the cancellation of training cohorts and loss of training venues.
Executive Director Alexandra Torres Galancid of WINTER has noted that unstable living conditions for potential trainees can hinder their transition into the building trades. A solid support system, which includes case managers, is deemed crucial for assisting women as they navigate the challenges of entering this industry. Increased marketing efforts are also recommended to attract more women to consider careers in construction trades.
Looking ahead, California’s budget will allocate $15 million for the forthcoming fiscal year specifically for a Women in Construction Priority Program. The initiative aims to create further pathways for women’s participation in the construction workforce, highlighting the state’s commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse labor environment.
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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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