News Summary
The California Department of Industrial Relations has allocated $26 million in ERiCA grants to enhance apprenticeship opportunities for women and disadvantaged communities in the construction industry. This funding supports recruitment, retention, and support systems across various programs. Notable recipients include Cerritos College and the Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council, aiming to address gender disparities and improve inclusivity. The state seeks to double apprenticeship numbers by 2029, despite low female participation historically in construction roles.
California Distributes $26 Million in Grants to Boost Women and Disadvantaged Communities in Construction Apprenticeships
LOS ANGELES — The California Department of Industrial Relations has awarded a total of $26 million through the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grants to promote diversity and inclusion within the state’s construction industry. This initiative aims to increase access to apprenticeship opportunities for women and members of disadvantaged communities.
Distribution and Focus of Funding
In this second round of ERiCA funding, 25 construction apprenticeship programs received grants, bolstering efforts to improve recruitment, support, and retention of workers from underrepresented groups. The initial round provided $25 million to 19 programs, highlighting the state’s ongoing commitment to these initiatives.
The grants prioritize three core areas:
- Recruitment of women and disadvantaged populations into construction trades
- Support systems, including childcare and mentorship programs
- Retention strategies, aiming to sustain long-term careers in construction
Notable Grant Recipients
Among the recipients, several stand out for their targeted efforts:
- Cerritos College: awarded $1.25 million to enhance its field ironwork apprenticeship program, opening pathways for diverse participants.
- Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council Apprenticeship Readiness Fund: received $2.5 million to develop childcare services, improve recruitment measures, and foster a positive worksite culture.
- Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California: allocated $550,000 with the goal of doubling the number of women enrolled in its programs within two years.
Upcoming Programs and Initiatives
Starting on April 7, Northern California will launch an all-women’s Multi Craft Core Curriculum apprentice readiness program. This six-week training offers hands-on experience across nearly 20 trades, integrating safety instruction, math skills, and apprenticeship opportunities to encourage women to pursue careers in construction.
The program, operated by the Southern Job Builders Trade Council (SJBTC), actively seeks applicants aiming to help women successfully enter union apprenticeship programs. The initiative emphasizes practical training to prepare women for diverse roles in the building trades.
State Goals and Workforce Challenges
Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai noted that California intends to double its current apprenticeship numbers to reach the goal of training 500,000 apprentices by 2029. To support this, the state budget includes “innovation funding” to expand apprenticeship intermediaries and provide supplemental instruction comparable to community college courses.
Current State of Women in Construction
Despite the numerous opportunities, women have historically seen low participation in construction apprenticeships. In 2021, women represented only 4% of California’s apprentices in construction trades, with participation declining since the early 2000s. Experts attribute this trend partly to the state’s affirmative action ban, which has limited certain outreach and diversity initiatives.
Programs Addressing Gender Disparities
Programs like Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles (WINTER) aim to increase female participation in construction. However, WINTER has faced challenges, including disruptions caused by the pandemic, such as canceled cohorts and loss of training facilities. The program’s executive director highlighted the importance of stable living conditions and comprehensive support services for women entering the trades.
Strategies for Improvement
To boost female participation, experts recommend increased marketing efforts, targeted outreach, and expanded support networks, including case management and mentorship programs. The state has also announced plans to dedicate $15 million in the upcoming budget year for a “Women in Construction Priority Program”, emphasizing continued investment in diversity initiatives within the trades industry.
Overall, California’s investment in apprenticeship grants and targeted programs signals a determined effort to diversify its construction workforce, despite ongoing challenges. The focus remains on creating equitable access and sustainable careers for women and members of underserved communities, supporting the state’s broader workforce development goals.
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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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