California government officials unveiled several new workforce development programs earlier this week, including “Career Passports,” aimed at helping Californians translate skills acquired during military service, volunteer work, or employment into academic credits.
Supporters say this learning and employment record will enable employers to better assess candidates and identify suitable employees.
Governor Gavin Newsom announced the initiative inside a welding workshop at Shasta College. He emphasized that the state government is working to guide those who cannot afford or have the ability to pursue higher education toward viable careers.
According to the Governor’s office, under the new program, veterans, active-duty military personnel, and other workers will be able to convert their learning experiences into college credits in California, benefiting around 30,000 service members.
According to a survey by Beacon Economics in June this year, this program will save an average of over $26,000 for each veteran and provide approximately $160,000 in lifelong benefits, reducing California’s education expenses by $3.7 billion and bringing nearly $29 billion in economic benefits to the state over the next 20 years.
It is estimated that around 250,000 Californians will be able to leverage their experiences to reduce the number of credit hours required for graduation.
Newsom stated that the elements of this comprehensive vocational education plan prioritize utilizing skills learned in life to promote non-degree holders graduating from college and advancing in the workplace. He said, “We also provide opportunities to develop skill sets and establish partnerships with community colleges.”
Jay Davis, a lecturer at the welding workshop at Shasta College, told Epoch Times that hundreds of students complete welding and mechanical courses each year, with many subsequently starting careers earning nearly $30 per hour.
According to the Governor’s office, this program continues the so-called “earn and learn apprenticeships” in recent years. Since 2019, over 190,000 people have completed these state-registered apprenticeship programs.
Newsom aims to have 500,000 participants complete apprentice programs by 2029. Investment in related programs exceeded $221 million in the previous fiscal year.
Newsom signed an executive order in August last year to eliminate degree requirements for 32,000 state government positions. Currently, approximately 30,000 state government positions no longer require a four-year degree.
Newsom’s visit to Shasta County is part of his “Jobs First Tour.” In recent weeks, he has visited Fresno, Kern, and Tulare counties in the Central Valley.
Each economic region will receive $5 million to develop economic plans. According to the Governor’s office, California’s 13 regions are submitting documents to Newsom, which will be compiled into a statewide strategy early next year.
Each region will also receive $14 million to develop action plans for specific projects, with $120 million in competitive grants available starting on January 1 next year.