What's Working

A person in a blue shirt and blue water vest sits at the edge of a boat, while holding a blue bar into the water with a net at the end, in the Sacramento river.

Commentary

California’s water workforce is aging. Promoting the next generation of workers is essential

A career building and maintaining California's water infrastructure might be unglamorous but it's an essential and well-paying field as the state faces a looming shortage.

By Travis Hinkle • August 29, 2024

People dressed in blue shirts help assemble an electric vehicle inside a production plant.

Capitol

Why Riverside County? California lawmakers want to make the Inland Empire an EV manufacturing hub

Supporters say that a bill to create an electric vehicle opportunity zone would be a big job boost. A big beneficiary, at least initially, could be luxury EV maker Karma Automotive in Moreno Valley.

By Deborah Brennan • August 22, 2024

A person dressed in black and white pants, a beige shirt and wearing a backwards baseball cap, site behind the wheel of a semi-trailer.

Economy

How California channeled money to for-profit schools — while they were under investigation

California uses federal dollars intended to help students train for better jobs, but the money often goes to for-profit schools — even some under investigation.

By Adam Echelman • August 21, 2024

Someone wearing blue latex gloves injects a syringe into a small glass bottle over a counter with multiple unused syringes and a box of latex gloves.

Education

Taxpayers cover tuition at California’s for-profit schools. The results? Low-wage, high-turnover jobs

California officials have warned students for years that for-profit schools may make misleading career claims — leaving them with "a mountain of debt" but no job. Still, many for-profit schools remain on the state’s list of recommended job training programs.

By Adam Echelman • August 21, 2024

Inmates work in the Delancey Street Restaurant kitchen at the California State Prison Solano in Vacaville on July 24, 2024. "We actually built this restaurant," said Ray Williams, Jr., front right. "We started with hard hats and elevated to smocks." Photo by Florence Middleton, CalMatters

California Divide

In this California prison, inmates who operate a restaurant for their guards and others ‘rely on each other’

The venture, launched by a venerable San Francisco foundation, counts former Governor Jerry Brown and current Governor Gavin Newsom among its supporters.

By Carol Pogash • July 30, 2024

A firefighter lays a hose out as a car is engulfed in flames in the background during a firefighter training session.

Education

Newsom set an ambitious goal to launch 500,000 Californians into new careers. Many are firefighters

In his 2018 campaign, Gov. Gavin Newsom said he would create 500,000 new apprenticeships in the decade after taking office. So far, the state has registered more than 180,000 new apprenticeships. Many of them are firefighters.

By Adam Echelman • July 26, 2024

People sitting in front of computers at the the Sacramento Works job training and resources center in Sacramento on April 23, 2024. The center provides help and resources to job seekers, businesses and employers in Sacramento County. Photo by Miguel Gutierrez Jr., CalMatters

Higher Education

Passed over for promotions, no jobs in sight: Some deaf Californians question what’s fair

Federal and state law require businesses to accommodate employees with disabilities, to an extent, but deaf people question whether employers are doing enough.

By Adam Echelman • July 11, 2024

Dentist Ann Chen, left, and dental assistant Phuong Truong, right, work on a student patient at the Shop 55 Wellness Center at Oakland High School in Oakland on May 10, 2024. Through the California Community Schools Partnership Program (CCSPP), Oakland High is able to offer a variety of medical services such as dental care to students. Photo by Juliana Yamada for CalMatters

Commentary

California faces a variety of workforce shortages. It can’t afford to cut training programs

Most job training initiatives in California are government-funded, but many are grappling with cuts as the state and local governments face budget deficits. A Latino immigrant who entered the dental industry after completing job training programs shares what's at stake.

By Edgar Alas • July 9, 2024

Loma Linda University campus on April 22, 2024. Photo by Jules Hotz for CalMatters

Economy

Inland Empire battles low college grad rates to gain higher tech jobs and businesses

The region battles smog, traffic and other pitfalls. But its leaders see growth opportunities beyond the warehouses.

By Deborah Brennan • May 14, 2024

California Divide

Disconnected youth: Some young Californians lack work, school options

A new study says California's “disconnected youth” are being left behind.

By Felicia Mello • May 10, 2024

What’s Working