The ability to develop skilled workers capable of meeting the demands of the modern workplace is why apprenticeship training is so valuable in building a strong economy.
The individual benefits because apprenticeships are industry-driven career pathway programs that allow them to earn livable wages while learning skills for a specific occupation or trade ultimately accessing a good job and family sustaining career. The employer benefits because they can develop and invest in their future workforce as well as earn a return on investment of over 40%.
For the Inland Empire, there is evidence that the registered apprenticeship model works and one that more businesses should invest in.
Citing the model’s proven track record California Governor Gavin Newsom set a 2018 goal of reaching 500,000 active apprentices by 2029. Public workforce and education policy changes and financial investment followed. As a result, the State has significantly increased registered apprenticeship completions and enrollments in recent years.
The Inland Empire is doing its part.
According to an Inland Empire/Desert Center of Excellence report, the region is training a higher share of apprentices than their share of workers in California. While the Inland Empire labor force accounts for 11.2% of all California workers, the region’s 13,262 active apprentices represent 14.2% of all apprentices in the state. Most apprenticeships are in building and construction trades (69%) and firefighting (15%). However, the Inland Empire is seeing growth in apprenticeships in manufacturing and non-traditional fields such as healthcare, IT/Cybersecurity, food services, and automotive.
Why is the region so successful in developing apprenticeships?
One reason is the LAUNCH Apprenticeship Network which leverages the workforce and education systems of the region’s community colleges, K-12 districts, and two Workforce Development Boards. By integrating apprenticeship into these organizations, LAUNCH is an intermediary and education provider for businesses adopting the apprenticeship model.
Let’s not forget the region’s building and construction trade labor organizations that are the backbone of the industry, setting high standards and safeguarding worker rights. With IBEW and UAW stepping up as partners, the future of the industry gets an extra shot of muscle and innovation. Their expertise not only ensures that training programs remain job site-relevant but also drives the industry toward a greener, more sustainable horizon.
By partnering with LAUNCH’s innovative approach and uplifting the skills honed by historic labor organizations, more businesses are empowered to meet the evolving demands of tomorrow’s workforce while propelling the industry into a new era of excellence.
But there is more we must do to keep the Inland Empire competitive.
The region must focus on industries with potential for growth and demand for higher paying jobs such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, and clean technology. If we apply the apprentice model to these industries, we can accelerate business investment and job creation.
We have a thriving workforce training ecosystem in the region. Due to the administration and expertise required to start and maintain apprenticeships, colleges, employers, and their partners must continue to invest in and participate in regional apprenticeship “hubs” such as LAUNCH. This way, colleges can reduce training costs and increase adoption for employers, expand access for individuals often excluded from the apprenticeship pathway and improve student outcomes.
Finally, another area of opportunity is diversification. Only 2% of Inland Empire apprentices in the building and construction trades are women and only 3% are Black. Two percent of state firefighter apprentices are women. Most (63%) apprentices in the Inland Empire are over 25 years old. While pre-apprenticeships are a major way to close this gap, it remains unclear how many pre-apprentices are progressing into apprenticeships, both statewide and in the Inland Empire.
One of the Inland Empire’s greatest competitive strengths is its workforce, which is one of the largest in the state. If we all work to increase this lucrative job training opportunity, the gains can be immense for everyone.
Matthew Mena is executive director of Inland Economic Growth & Opportunity. IEGO is a regional cross-sector, bi-county collaborative network of community-based organizations, businesses and institutions committed to ensuring that the region’s growth is focused on inclusive economic development that will improve the quality of life for all.
