Apprenticeship: annual report: task force.

Senator Cortese's proposal to establish a Construction Apprenticeship Advancement Task Force aims to expand access to apprenticeship programs across California's diverse populations. The task force, operating under the Director of Industrial Relations, would include representatives from the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, California Apprenticeship Council, and Workforce Development Board.

The task force would examine recruitment practices, retention rates, and entry barriers affecting women, minorities, and disadvantaged populations in apprenticeship programs. Its mandate includes consulting with organizations experienced in diversifying apprenticeship representation and educational institutions involved in apprenticeship training. The group must submit its first report on best practices for inclusive apprenticeship programs to the Legislature by January 2027, with annual updates thereafter.

The bill also modifies existing apprenticeship reporting requirements. Annual reports from the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, California Apprenticeship Council, and Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship must now include data on outreach activities targeting disadvantaged communities and underserved groups. These reports continue to track participation rates, completion statistics, and demographic information for construction trade and firefighter apprenticeship programs.

The legislation maintains current definitions of program participants, including specifications for foster youth (both current and former), homeless youth, and youth apprentices. Implementation would begin with the task force's formation by September 2026, using existing administrative resources rather than new appropriations.