California’s Apprenticeship Programs Boost ‘High School-to-Hard Hat’ Strategy

As the U.S. celebrates its 10th National Apprenticeship Week, California works toward a goal of half a million apprentices by 2029.

Students watch as Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E) instructor Rick Johnson (C) demonstrates how to navigate a utility pole, during a course at the PG&E pole climbing training facility in Oakland, Calif., on June 8, 2012. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

California has the highest number of apprentices in the country, with more than 94,000 active apprentices in the state. Advocates of the program hope to boost those numbers even further.

In a proclamation for the National Apprenticeship Week, observed from Nov. 17 to Nov. 23, California Gov. Gavin Newsom reiterated his support for apprenticeship programs.