A Proven Approach for Public Sector Workforce Development

Local governments across California are experiencing challenges with recruitment, retention, and an impending wave of retirement. These struggles may cause vacancies in critical roles that can disrupt everything from social services to permit approvals.

Bridge was developed to address this need and help local governments hire for high-demand positions in areas like human resources, IT, mental and behavioral health, and accounting, while providing prospective employees with an opportunity for a meaningful and well-paying new career.

Registered Apprenticeships: A Win-Win for Local Governments

Apprenticeships combine education with paid on-the-job training, and have a long history in areas like public safety and construction. Increasingly, apprenticeships are also gaining momentum in “non-traditional” sectors such as human resources, mental and behavioral health, accounting, and IT. 

This promising trend can help local governments hire for positions that are notoriously difficult to fill. It can also expand economic opportunity and career mobility for underserved and underrepresented populations by minimizing the cost of higher education and training, allowing employees to “earn while they learn.”

How Apprenticeships Benefit Local Governments

Apply to Join the Bridge Pilot Program

Bridge will begin by piloting 5-10 non-traditional Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in California local governments. The pilot program is open to California cities, counties, and special districts. 

The Institute for Local Government (ILG) will provide participants with resources, support, and deep technical assistance to develop and implement RAPs that meet their unique needs.

Bridge is open to cities, counties, and special districts (e.g. utility districts, recreation and park districts, water districts, etc.). Pilots will be accepted on a rolling basis until space is filled and goals are met. To express interest in becoming a Bridge pilot site, senior local government staff or elected officials should complete this interest form. After receiving the form, ILG will schedule consultations and information sessions with top candidates to discuss each jurisdiction’s workforce goals and needs, as well as any existing partnerships or projects.

*JFF and California Community Colleges report: The State of Apprenticeships in California