About
Strengthening Our Local Government Workforce through Registered Apprenticeships
Bridge is a new initiative designed to support California’s local governments in recruiting and attracting workers through Registered Apprenticeships in high-demand fields like accounting, human resources, IT, health and human services, and more.
The Institute for Local Government (ILG) is spearheading Bridge, including a pilot program with 5-10 Registered Apprenticeships in California local governments. ILG will provide local government participants with the resources, support, and guidance to develop and implement apprenticeship programs that meet their unique needs.
Who Can Join Bridge?
Bridge supports California local governments experiencing workforce recruitment and retention challenges that result in disruptive job vacancies, and those wanting to take a proactive approach to building a future-ready workforce. The pilot program is open to cities, counties, and special districts.
New research shows that RAPs offer higher retention rates than non-apprenticed career pathways and participants advance faster than traditional hires.*
About Non-Traditional Registered Apprenticeships
A Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a federally or state-accredited career pathway program that incorporates classroom learning with on-the-job training.
RAPs help public sector employers meet increasing labor demands by growing the workforce in construction, technology, health care, education, and many vocational sectors. A “non-traditional” apprenticeship serves career paths outside of building, construction, or public safety.
Components of a RAP
*JFF and California Community Colleges report: The State of Apprenticeships in California
About the Institute for Local Government
The Institute for Local Government is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports local governments with tackling their most pressing and evolving issues related to workforce development, climate action, leadership, ethics, and public engagement. Since 1955, ILG has provided conscious counsel, training, resources, and technical assistance to empower and educate local agency leaders and deliver real-world expertise to help them navigate complex issues, increase their capacity, and build trust in their communities. As the nonprofit affiliate of the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), ILG proudly serves municipalities large and small, urban and rural throughout California. Find out more at ca-ilg.org.