Wrapping up Youth Apprenticeship Week, OC Pathways has celebrated the importance of on-the-job training and in-demand skills, expanding supports for students and young adults across Orange County.
From May 5 to May 11, the OCDE-led career technical education consortium and its networks have joined businesses and educators to recognize apprenticeship programs and highlight the opportunities they offer, providing students with workforce training while earning competitive wages.
After earning approval from the state Department of Labor to offer registered apprenticeships last July, OC Pathways has made efforts to further enhance student career readiness and increase the number of youth apprentices in the county.
“During Youth Apprenticeship Week, we are proud to be one of the first county offices of education to collaborate extensively with our K-12 and post-secondary partners,” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Ramon Miramontes said. “Together, we are introducing non-traditional apprenticeship opportunities that prepare our youth for the demands of today’s workforce. This commitment not only enhances educational outcomes but also strengthens the economic fabric of our community.”
Through its Regional K-16 Education Collaboratives Grant, local school districts and colleges are teaming up with the program’s industry partners to offer work opportunities in 13 non-traditional apprenticeship sectors including education, business, engineering, healthcare and information and communications technology. These partnerships have helped to create innovative, new opportunities for high school students and college-aged individuals like Saray Bautista.
Four days a week, 21-year-old Bautista works as an office manager apprentice for Carpenter Training Partners. After learning the foundations of construction and developing carpentry skills from the coursework portion of her pre-apprenticeship program in January, Carpenter Training Partners collaborated with OC Pathways to help Bautista explore on-the-job training in the business sector.
OC Pathways has partnered with local apprenticeship-focused companies like Spyder Lab, Cyber Forward and Carpenter Training Partners to further expand these programs tailored for professional training and skill development.
Building students’ workforce skills
Bautista’s apprenticeship as an office manager in the construction field entails a variety of duties including scheduling and calendar management, record keeping and administrative support in tasks like registering new students for the pre-apprenticeship program.
As apprentices, students and young adults like Bautista strive to earn industry credentials alongside their coursework and on-site training. OC Pathways’ registered apprenticeships bolster these efforts by ensuring that each individual receives comprehensive support, guidance and resources throughout the completion of the program.
Vaughn Bernardez, the program director for Carpenter Training Partners, said Bautista’s efforts in working with new technologies has made her team’s day-to-day schedule run more smoothly. From enrolling as a pre-apprentice to working directly with the program, Bernardez said she has shown immense growth.
“Saray went from being shy and hardly speaking to anyone to now being so comfortable with the team,” Bernardez said. “She has been such a big help.”
After earning her industry certification, the Sunny Hills High School graduate plans to continue her education in the carpentry field and use those transferable skills to start her own business someday.
“Whether it’s working in an office setting within the carpentry field or exploring remote job opportunities,” Saray said, “I’m enthusiastic about the endless possibilities and options available.”
Local businesses interested in partnering with OC Pathways can email apprenticeship@ocde.us or call at 714-966-4359. Students who want to get involved with the registered apprenticeship program can learn more by visiting the OC Pathways website.