The James Irvine Foundation Helps Grow Bay Area Tech Apprenticeships

The Bay Area Council’s Workforce of the Future initiative has been awarded a $300,000 grant from The James Irvine Foundation to grow tech apprenticeship opportunities for low-income workers throughout the Bay Area. Tech apprenticeships combine skills training with on-the-job training provided by employers. Apprentices are paid throughout the course of their on-the-job training, and are often hired on as full-time employees at the conclusion of their apprenticeship. The grant will support a landscape analysis of tech apprenticeships, conducted by the Bay Area Council Economic Institute, that will assess employer’s capacity to bring on apprentices, as well identify training partners to connect local, low-income talent to these opportunities.

Additionally, through a partnership with the Silicon Valley Apprenticeship Consortium, the Council’s Workforce of the Future initiative will work with employers to pilot new tech apprenticeship programs in the region. The Council is grateful for the continued support of the James Irvine Foundation, and excited to expand well-paid career opportunities for the Bay Area’s low-income workers. For additional information on the Workforce of the Future and Gender Equity and Diversity Committees, please contact Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Linda Bidrossian.