Sacramento, California, August 11, 2025
News Summary
The California Department of Industrial Relations has announced a $26 million funding allocation through its ERiCA program to enhance construction apprenticeship opportunities for women and disadvantaged communities. This round of grants, benefiting 25 programs, focuses on improving recruitment, support, and retention of apprentices, with an aim to create a more inclusive workforce in the construction sector. Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai emphasizes the need to double apprentices to meet future workforce demands, as programs like WINTER work to increase female participation in the industry.
Sacramento, California—The California Department of Industrial Relations has allocated $26 million in grants through its Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) program to enhance the availability of construction apprenticeship opportunities for women and other disadvantaged communities. A total of 25 programs will benefit from this funding aimed at improving recruitment, support, and retention of individuals in construction jobs.
This latest round of ERiCA grants represents a significant increase from the initial $25 million awarded to 19 programs in its first round. The goal remains clear: to foster an inclusive construction workforce that better mirrors the state’s demographics and to help meet the anticipated demand for skilled workers.
Highlighted award recipients include Cerritos College, which was granted $1.25 million to develop its field ironwork apprenticeship program; the Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council Apprenticeship Readiness Fund, receiving $2.5 million for initiatives focusing on childcare and worksite culture; and the Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California, which received $550,000 to strive for a two-fold increase in female enrollment in its programs over the next two years.
Among the new programs is an all-women’s Multi Craft Core Curriculum apprentice readiness initiative starting on April 7 in Northern California. This six-week course will provide essential training in nearly 20 trade fields along with safety training and math skills, aimed at empowering women to apply successfully for union apprenticeship programs within the construction industry.
Labor Secretary Natalie Palugyai has highlighted the need for California to double the current number of apprentices to meet Governor Gavin Newsom’s ambitious goal of training 500,000 apprentices by the year 2029. To further support this initiative, the state budget has earmarked “innovation funding,” which will augment apprenticeship intermediaries and cover related supplemental instruction akin to community college courses.
Despite the booming construction industry, women comprised only 4% of California’s construction apprenticeship participants in 2021. The decline in female apprentices since the early 2000s has been attributed partly to the state’s affirmative action ban. Programs like WINTER (Women in Non-Traditional Employment Roles) aim to address this gap, focusing on increasing women’s participation in construction apprenticeships. However, WINTER has faced significant challenges due to the pandemic, including the cancellation of training cohorts and loss of training venues.
Concerns have been raised regarding unstable living conditions that may hinder potential trainees in embarking on a construction career. A system of support comprising case managers is deemed crucial for facilitating women’s transition into the building trades. Furthermore, recommendations for enhancing marketing efforts have been made to attract more women into the construction field.
In a forward-looking move, California plans to allocate $15 million in the upcoming budget year for a “Women in Construction Priority Program,” designed to further promote and support women’s participation in construction trades.
FAQ
What are the ERiCA grants?
The Equal Representation in Construction Apprenticeship (ERiCA) grants are state-funded grants aimed at increasing access to construction apprenticeships for women and disadvantaged communities.
How much funding has been awarded in the latest round of ERiCA grants?
A total of $26 million has been awarded in the latest round of ERiCA grants to 25 construction apprenticeship programs.
What is the goal for women in the construction industry?
The goal is to significantly increase the number of women participating in construction apprenticeships, as they currently make up only a small percentage of apprentices in California.
Key Features of the ERiCA Grants
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Funding | $26 million |
| Number of Programs Funded | 25 Construction Apprenticeship Programs |
| Focus Areas | Recruitment, Support, Retention |
| Highlighted Recipients | Cerritos College, Los Angeles and Orange Counties Building Trades Council, Associated Builders and Contractors of Southern California |
| Women Apprentices Percentage | 4% in 2021 |
| Funding for the Next Budget Year | $15 million for “Women in Construction Priority Program” |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Texas Job Growth Soars to New Heights
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
Author: STAFF HERE HOUSTON TX WRITER
HOUSTON STAFF WRITER The HOUSTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHouston.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Houston, Harris County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Art Car Parade, and Chevron Houston Marathon. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Houston Partnership and Houston Area Urban League, plus leading businesses in energy and healthcare that power the local economy such as ExxonMobil, Schlumberger, and Houston Methodist. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
