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Panel approves SB 845 to expand youth apprenticeships and align career education pathways
Summary
SB 845 would implement recommendations of the state Career Education Master Plan and the California Youth Apprenticeship Committee by expanding youth apprenticeships, clarifying definitions, and easing employer insurance barriers; committee approved and moved the bill to Labor committee for fiscal review.
Sen. (author) Perez presented SB 845 to carry forward elements of the state Career Education Master Plan and the California Youth Apprenticeship Committee recommendations to expand youth apprenticeships and career-connected learning. The bill updates career-technical education standards, clarifies definitions and pathways for youth apprenticeships (beginning as early as 10th grade in permissible cases), and allows local education agencies to provide insurance coverage to reduce employer liability barriers.
Cammie Pier of NextGen California and Isis Orellana of the California Workforce Association, both cosponsors, told the subcommittee the bill creates a framework to scale successful local youth apprenticeship pilots and addresses employer concerns that have limited program expansion, including liability and administrative barriers. Witnesses from county offices of education supported the bill as a tool to strengthen local employer partnerships and scale workforce-aligned programs.
Committee members commended the bill as a practical step to broaden postsecondary pathways that do not require a 4-year degree. Several members shared international and historical examples of vocational pathways and emphasized teacher and industry engagement as essential components. The bill was moved as amended to the Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee (the subcommittee accepted clarifying amendments). Supporters said implementation will require coordination between school districts, local workforce boards and employers.
What happens next SB 845 proceeds to the Senate Labor Committee for fiscal review and to model how the changes will be implemented and funded across local education and workforce systems.
