Apprenticeship Events Celebrate New Opportunities for California Workers to "Earn While You Learn"

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) are celebrating the creation of two new state-approved apprenticeship programs on November 6.

"Apprenticeship programs provide workers with on-the-job training and help meet employers' demand for a skilled workforce.  By expanding hands-on training programs, we are increasing career opportunities for workers and helping businesses grow," said Christine Baker, Director of the Department of Industrial Relations (DIR). DAS is a division of DIR.  

On Friday morning, DIR Director Christine Baker and DAS Chief Diane Ravnik will officially recognize the first of the new apprenticeship programs between the Sacramento Municipal Utility District (SMUD) and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1245 in Sacramento. SMUD offers seven new training programs in the occupations of line worker, cable splicer, telecom technician, substation electrician, electrical technician, meter technician and engineer designer to approximately 60 apprentices. The engineer designer occupation training is the first of its kind in California for apprenticeship.

The second new program will be recognized Friday afternoon with program sponsors Sacramento Employment Training Agency (SETA), the California Workforce Association, and AFSCME Local 146. SETA's two-year "Earn While You Learn" apprenticeship program for new and incumbent employees will allow approximately 25 apprentices to advance through its employment system.

"We are delighted to welcome these two new program sponsors and their apprentices to the benefits of registered apprenticeship," said DAS Chief Diane Ravnik. "These opportunities provide the employers a way to meet their skilled training needs, and their apprentices entry to an established career."

The official certification events are part of what President Barack Obama has proclaimed the first annual National Apprenticeship Week, promoting efforts to expand the talent available to U.S. industries and offer workers a chance to earn while learning new skills.

A schedule is posted online with details on the certification signing events in Sacramento, as well as other National Apprenticeship Week events across the state. All events are free and open to the public.

Governor Jerry Brown issued a letter to highlight National Apprenticeship Week and urge all California employers and workers to explore apprenticeship as a way to achieve greater levels of professional success.

The California Apprenticeship Council also issued a resolution urging all California apprenticeship sponsors to participate in this week's events.

The Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) creates opportunities for Californians to gain employable lifetime skills and provides employers with a highly skilled and experienced workforce while strengthening California's economy.

Employees with work-related questions or complaints may contact DIR's Call Center in English or Spanish at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734). The California Workers' Information line at 866-924-9757 also offers recorded information in English and Spanish on a variety of work-related topics.

Members of the press may contact Erika Monterroza or Peter Melton at (510) 286-1161, and are encouraged to subscribe to get email alerts on DIR's press releases or other departmental updates.       

The California Department of Industrial Relations, established in 1927, protects and improves the health, safety, and economic well-being of over 18 million wage earners, and helps their employers comply with state labor laws. DIR is housed within the Labor & Workforce Development Agency. For general inquiries, contact DIR's Communications Call Center at 844-LABOR-DIR (844-522-6734) for help in locating the appropriate division or program in our department.

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SOURCE California Department of Industrial Relations