DAS Awards Grants to Boost Apprenticeships for California Youth

Sacramento - The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) awarded California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship Grants (COYA) to meet the state’s need to boost pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships that help youth enter and advance in high-quality careers.

WHY IT MATTERS: California is investing in apprenticeship programs that have the power to uplift opportunity youth across California, including those aged 16-24 who face educational achievement gaps or attend schools in lower-income communities. The funding will support 51 projects across California that pave the way for youth apprentices to succeed. The grants support a network of apprenticeship programs in healthcare, education, advanced manufacturing, information technology, public sector, transportation and more. COYA will also ensure employers are supported and encouraged to hire young workers based on their talent and skills.

WHAT’S NEXT: COYA funding enables awardees to amplify their impact on opportunity youth registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. The first round of COYA awardees will embark on developing and expanding registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs for opportunity youth.

DAS Chief Curtis Notsinneh said: “COYA offers more than financial support to building the infrastructure of the future workforce. It is a holistic ecosystem designed to uplift opportunity youth, dismantle career barriers, and offer youth the launch pads they need to ignite fulfilling careers.”

What DAS Deputy Chief Adele Burnes said: “DAS remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering opportunity youth. Through COYA, we are laying the groundwork for a future workforce that is innovative, inclusive, and boundless. We believe apprenticeship will mold the trailblazers of tomorrow.”

The Department of Industrial Relations’ Division of Apprenticeship Standards consults with employers and partners to develop a skilled workforce by establishing innovative apprenticeship programs that offer training to create viable career pathways for Californians. 

Media Contact: Communications@dir.ca.gov, (510) 286-1161

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