UNITE-LA continues to advance policies that strengthen California’s workforce system and expand economic mobility by building support among business leaders, workforce stakeholders and policymakers across the state. Through strategic engagement and advocacy, UNITE-LA is elevating solutions that strengthen education-to-career pathways, expand apprenticeship opportunities and improve workforce outcomes for Californians. Recent efforts have focused on increasing awareness and support for key legislative priorities, including AB 805, which would establish a Career Apprenticeship Bridge Program, and SB 1054, which advances policies designed to improve economic opportunity and workforce system effectiveness.

Over the past several months, UNITE-LA has expanded outreach to business organizations, cultivating support for these legislative priorities and highlighting the role employers play in creating stronger pathways to quality careers. Through presentations, committee discussions and stakeholder engagement, business leaders have increasingly recognized the value of career-connected learning and workforce strategies that benefit both employers and job seekers.

UNITE-LA also advanced these priorities during California’s Apprenticeship Appreciation Week, participating in statewide convenings focused on strengthening workforce systems and expanding equitable access to career opportunities. At a policy activation session following WORKCON 2026, UNITE-LA joined advocates, policymakers and workforce leaders to highlight the importance of AB 805 and the role youth apprenticeships can play in connecting young people ages 16–24 to paid, career-connected learning experiences.

In addition, UNITE-LA led a discussion on how California’s workforce systems can better support immigrant workers and respond to changing labor market conditions. Participants explored strategies to improve coordination among employers, training providers and public agencies while ensuring workforce investments reflect the needs and contributions of immigrant and multilingual workers.

Across these engagements, a clear message emerged: building a more inclusive and effective workforce system requires strong partnerships, aligned policy solutions and sustained investment in pathways that connect Californians to quality careers. As support continues to grow for AB 805 and SB 1054, UNITE-LA remains committed to advancing policies that strengthen economic opportunity throughout California.

For more information, please reach out to Edgar Castillo, Senior Manager, Workforce Development Policy & Systems, at [email protected].