News Summary
The California Department of Industrial Relations has announced $26 million in grants to promote diversity in the construction industry through its ERiCA program. This funding supports 25 apprenticeship initiatives focused on recruitment, support, and retention of women and disadvantaged communities in construction trades. Notable recipients include Cerritos College and the Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council. Upcoming initiatives aim to further engage women in trade professions and address underrepresentation within the sector, as California strives to train 500,000 apprentices by 2029.
Los Angeles, California — California Distributes $26 Million in Grants to Support Women and Disadvantaged Communities in Construction Apprenticeship Programs
In a significant move to promote diversity and equal representation in the construction industry, the California Department of Industrial Relations has awarded $26 million in grants through its Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) program. This funding aims to expand access and opportunities for women and disadvantaged communities across the state.
Details of the Grants and Recipient Programs
This round of ERiCA grants is the second since the program’s inception, following the initial disbursement of $25 million to 19 programs. The current funding will support a total of 25 construction apprenticeship initiatives statewide. The grants focus on three core areas: recruitment, support, and retention of workers, especially targeting populations traditionally underrepresented in construction trades.
Among the notable recipients is Cerritos College, which has received $1.25 million to aid its field ironwork apprenticeship program. The Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council Apprenticeship Readiness Fund was awarded $2.5 million to improve childcare services, recruitment efforts, and worksite culture to better attract and retain apprentices from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California received $550,000 with a goal to double the enrollment of women in its apprenticeship programs within two years.
Upcoming Programs and Recruitment Initiatives
Starting on April 7, a new program in Northern California will kick off, aimed at recruiting women into trade professions. This initiative is an all-women’s Multi Craft Core Curriculum apprentice readiness program designed to span six weeks. The program offers hands-on training in nearly 20 trade fields, along with apprenticeship opportunities, safety training, and math skill development.
The San Joaquin Building Trades Council (SJBTC) is actively seeking applicants for this program, with the goal of helping women successfully apply to union apprenticeship opportunities in construction. The initiative underscores efforts to diversify the workforce and provide clear pathways for women into the building trades.
State Goals and Funding for Workforce Expansion
California’s labor workforce development efforts are driven by Governor Gavin Newsom’s goal of training 500,000 apprentices by 2029. Recognizing the need to expand and accelerate apprenticeship training, the state’s budget includes “innovation funding” to scale up programs that facilitate apprenticeship enrollment and success. Part of this funding will support apprenticeship intermediaries and provide supplemental instruction comparable to community college courses.
Current Challenges and Underrepresentation of Women
Despite the abundant opportunities in the construction sector, women continue to be underrepresented. In 2021, women accounted for only 4% of California’s apprentices in construction trades. This participation rate has declined since the early 2000s, a trend partly attributed to the state’s affirmative action ban.
One of the few programs dedicated to addressing this disparity is WINTER (Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles). This initiative focuses on training women for careers in construction and related fields. However, WINTER has faced setbacks due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including the cancellation of training cohorts and the loss of training venues. Challenges such as unstable living conditions among potential trainees have further hindered progress.
Future Support and Strategic Efforts
To improve the situation, experts highlight the importance of comprehensive support systems—including case management and targeted marketing efforts—to attract more women into construction trades. These strategies aim to address barriers and ensure women have the necessary support to succeed and thrive in apprenticeships.
The California government plans to increase investments in this area, with $15 million allocated in the upcoming fiscal year for a new “Women in Construction Priority Program”. This initiative will focus on creating more accessible pathways and fostering a more diverse, skilled workforce in the construction sector.
Conclusion
California’s recent investments through ERiCA grants reflect a strategic effort to promote equitable access to apprenticeship training in construction. By funding programs that target women and disadvantaged communities, the state aims to build a more inclusive and robust workforce—supporting economic growth and addressing industry labor shortages in the coming years.
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HERE Resources
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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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