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Report/Research

Closing the Gap: The Future of Apprenticeship in California

The driving force of California’s growing innovation economy is talent. However, there is also a growing mismatch between the type of talent in demand and the type of talent in supply. This paper describes why one of California’s best options for closing this talent gap is to expand and modernize the state’s apprenticeship system.

December 18, 2018

At a Glance

The driving force of California’s growing innovation economy is talent. However, there is also a growing mismatch between the type of talent in demand and the type of talent in supply. This paper describes why one of California’s best options for closing this talent gap is to expand and modernize the state’s apprenticeship system.

Contributors
Vinz Koller, Social Policy Research Associates
Practices & Centers Topics

California’s new governor hopes to increase the number of apprentices in the state by nearly 500 percent in the next 10 years.

This ambitious goal will require a rethinking of California’s apprenticeship system, from how it works to who is involved.

This report explores the current strengths and limitations of California’s system, as well as describes key features of a future apprenticeship system and provides a set of recommendations for policymakers and practitioners on how to get there.

A comprehensive modern apprenticeship system in California is not just a change in scale. It will require a change in the way apprenticeships are designed, launched, and implemented.

This piece was supported by the James Irvine Foundation and Salesforce.org.