California Boosts Women in Construction with $26 Million Grants

News Summary

California has allocated $26 million in funding to enhance participation among women and disadvantaged communities in construction apprenticeship programs. This initiative, managed by the Department of Industrial Relations, is part of the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) program aimed at improving recruitment, support, and retention in the construction industry. Key grants have been awarded to organizations such as Cerritos College and the Building Trades Council to address workforce needs and promote female representation in trades, signaling a robust push for diversity and skilled labor in the sector.

California has awarded $26 million in grants aimed at boosting participation among women and disadvantaged communities in construction apprenticeship programs. The funding, managed by the California Department of Industrial Relations, is part of the Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) initiative, which has now reached its second round of funding following an initial $25 million distributed to 19 programs last year.

The newly awarded funds will benefit a total of 25 construction apprenticeship programs designed to enhance recruitment, support, and retention of workers in the construction industry. Key recipients of this funding include Cerritos College, which received $1.25 million to support its field ironwork apprenticeship program. Another notable recipient, the Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council Apprenticeship Readiness Fund, was awarded $2.5 million to enhance childcare availability, improve recruitment tactics, and better worksite culture. Additionally, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California received $550,000 with a commitment to double the number of women in its programs over the next two years.

To further promote female participation, a new program beginning on April 7 in Northern California is set to recruit women into trade professions through an all-women’s Multi Craft Core Curriculum apprentice readiness program. This six-week program will offer hands-on training across nearly 20 different trade fields, safety training, and essential math skills needed for successful entry into apprenticeships.

With the aim of addressing the pressing workforce needs in the sector, Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai emphasized the necessity of doubling the number of apprentices as part of Governor Gavin Newsom’s objective to train 500,000 apprentices by 2029. The state’s ongoing budget includes a provision for “innovation funding” to scale apprenticeship intermediaries and offer funding for supplemental instruction parallel to community college courses.

Despite the increasing opportunities available in the construction sector, women represented a mere 4% of California’s apprentices in construction trades in 2021. Participation rates have reportedly diminished since the early 2000s, a trend partially attributed to the state’s affirmative action ban. Programs like WINTER (Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles) are one of the few initiatives actively targeting women for construction apprenticeship opportunities; however, such programs have faced challenges in the wake of the pandemic, including cancellations of training cohorts and loss of training venues.

Concerns have also been raised about the unstable living conditions which hinder the eligibility and transition of potential trainees into the construction sector. A robust support system, with the inclusion of case managers, is seen as crucial for facilitating women’s entry into building trades. Additionally, increased marketing efforts are being suggested as a means to entice more women to explore careers in construction.

Looking ahead, California has plans to allocate $15 million in the upcoming fiscal year for a “Women in Construction Priority Program,” aiming to create lasting impacts in increasing female representation within the construction workforce. In summary, these initiatives signify a concerted effort by the state to not only enhance diversity in construction but also fill the growing demand for skilled labor in the industry.

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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