What's Working

A group of individuals collaborates in an automotive workshop, focusing on a wiring and assembly project. Three participants, wearing safety glasses and gloves, are engaged in hands-on work with the wiring and components of a metallic frame. An instructor or mentor, also wearing safety glasses, stands nearby, guiding them attentively.

Commentary

California teens earn a lot more than cash and college credits as they learn to fix cars

California needs 5,600 more auto technicians to meet the current demand. A dual credit program in Los Angeles County is training students at car dealerships, providing much more than apprenticeship-style training and wages.

By Denise Amos • January 7, 2025

A small group of individuals sits around a table in a classroom-like environment, engaged in discussion and reviewing printed materials. A banner on the wall reads "Central California Women's Facility Media Center." Behind the participants, computer monitors are arranged on desks. The atmosphere appears collaborative and focused, with participants exchanging ideas and referencing documents.

Commentary

Waiting in silence: How California’s first media center inside a women’s prison came to life

The creation this year of a media center inside the Central California Women’s Facility, which culminated in the launch of the Paper Trail, has finally given a voice to the women who have long been an afterthought in the state's prison system.

By Jesse Vasquez • December 30, 2024

Two workers in yellow and orange safety vests stand on an underground subway platform. One worker speaks to two people on a train, as the doors remain open. Another person walks by and observes the conversation. The train remains stopped at the station.

California Divide

This foundation tries to get young Californians into transportation jobs

The California Transportation Foundation hosts events designed to foster interest and inspire younger Californians to enter the industry.

By Zayna Syed • December 23, 2024

Three people, a teacher and two students, work on a wooden table next to a red circular saw. Each person wears clear safety glasses.

Commentary

Welding is a way back to school for California kids who regularly ditch classes

A welding teacher says hands-on career training can win back disengaged students but schools and the state erred by emphasizing college for all and letting trade education die at many California high schools.

By Denise Amos • December 23, 2024

A truck drives over a bridge and down a wet road. The rear of the truck is visible and the brake lights are engaged. The setting is a small, rural, town. The weather is drizzly, foggy and grey.

Economy

How far Northern California counties are creating more jobs for young people

California’s northernmost seven counties have made a concerted effort to combat poverty and outmigration in their communities.

By Fiona Kelliher • December 20, 2024

A person wearing blue gloves working on the back tire of a bicycle that is being held up in the center of a workshop. The workshop has buckets on the ground and tables with different tools around the edges, and bike racks with bicycles in the background.

Economy

This nonprofit helps Californians get back on their feet with bikes

Community Cycles of California gives “justice involved” individuals employment training through a state grant.

By Zayna Syed • December 20, 2024

A person, wearing a green hijab and blouse with a long black skirt, uses a bucket and a ring device to release bubbles to a group of children playing nearby.

Economy

California workforce fund targets programs solving problems

The Workforce Accelerator Fund has awarded $52 million to different programs trying to help different areas and communities of employment.

By Zayna Syed • December 18, 2024

A person stands centered in the aisle of a library, surrounded by shelves full of books. They wear a black beanie, black sweater, and distressed jeans. Their hands are clasped together in front of them, and they gaze directly into the camera with a neutral expression. The bookshelves extend into the background, creating depth.

Commentary

He has prison in his past. Now he hopes law school is in his future

An aspiring California law student says a fellowship program called Dream Beyond Bars has taught him emotional intelligence and resilience, along with political organizing and advocacy.

By Denise Amos • December 17, 2024

A person in working overalls uses a chainsaw to cut into a tree trunk in a park. Debris from concrete slabs and a chopped-down tree surround the person as they work in a park.

Economy

California got millions to train workers in disaster relief, but it’s leaving money on table

When disaster strikes, California gets federal funding to hire temporary workers to clean debris. But the jobs are tough, and some agencies struggle to manage the grants.

By Adam Echelman • December 13, 2024

Apprentices sort through wire ropes called chokers at Iron Workers in Benicia on June 20, 2021. Photo by Anne Wernikoff, CalMatters

Commentary

Why California needs to double-down on its apprenticeship programs

Almost every sector faces a "skills gap." California has made strides to build up its apprenticeship programs and should double-down to help sustain an innovative economy.

By Paul Nelson De La Cerda • December 11, 2024

What’s Working