UNITE-LA, in partnership with LAUNCH LA and the Southern California Apprenticeship Network, recently concluded a four-part webinar series on apprenticeships. The series was designed to support small, nonprofit organizations looking to engage in apprenticeships by providing all the information they need to successfully enter this space. Looking ahead, we will launch a community-based organization (CBO) bootcamp in May, which will provide technical support to all who sign up to establish their own apprenticeship programs. Register here to get signed up! If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to Amber Chatman.

Session 1 provided an overview of what an apprenticeship is and its value to Angelenos looking to learn a skill or upskill for advancement opportunities in various industry sectors. It specifically highlighted the power of community-based organizations to support apprenticeship programs by matching the right person to their best apprenticeship solution and establishing environments where training can take place, supporting employers in their region by providing necessary training facilities.

Session 2 offered participants effective strategies for participant recruitment into sector-based apprenticeships and shared best practices for preparing candidates to ensure their success.

Session 3 focused on the best ways to identify and connect to registered apprenticeships in Los Angeles County. Participants navigated the Division of Apprenticeship Standards website to identify registered occupations they could leverage to create their own programs or connect their participants to. Additionally, we shared tools for vetted registered programs throughout Los Angeles' 19 community college districts.

Session 4 partners across Los Angeles, including the South Bay Workforce Investment Board, the BRIC Foundation and Pasadena City College, shared their apprenticeship models tailored to specific industries. Participants had the opportunity to learn and network, gaining further insights into each other's efforts and taking steps toward future collaboration.