California Announces $52 Million in Apprenticeship Innovation Funding to Sustain and Scale Apprenticeship Programs in Emerging Sectors

In a continued effort to bolster the state’s workforce, the California Department of Industrial Relations and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards announced that the third round of Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF) is now open and accepting applications. With $52 million available, this third round of funding aims to continue to sustain and scale apprenticeship programs in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, transportation, education, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and many other apprenticeship programs associated with the sectors overseen by the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships (IACA). By investing in these programs, California is creating sustainable earn-and-learn career pathways, driving economic growth across the state, and creating a future where every Californian can thrive. Who Should Apply: DAS invites the IACA occupation-associated apprenticeship programs to submit their AIF applications. AIF is not a competitive grant and will provide formula funding to as many eligible registered apprenticeship programs as possible. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis.