Last month, UNITE-LA participated in the Youth Apprenticeship Summit: Breaking Down Silos – The Future of Youth Apprenticeship in Sacramento, marking a critical moment as California shifts from planning to implementation of a statewide youth apprenticeship system. Following the final convening of the California Youth Apprenticeship Committee (CYAC), the summit brought together education, workforce and policy leaders to focus on operationalizing the committee’s recommendations and breaking down silos across K-12, community colleges and workforce development systems.

Edgar Castillo, senior manager, Workforce Development Policy and Systems, represented UNITE-LA during the legislative alignment portion of the program, offering remarks on AB 805 and its role in streamlining apprenticeship approval processes and strengthening regional coordination through designated intermediaries. The discussion reinforced the importance of aligning policy, practice and lived experience to expand high-quality, equitable apprenticeship pathways for both in-school and opportunity youth across the state. For more information, contact Edgar.