Bill would expand career‑connected learning, apprenticeships and local authority over work‑based learning

Sen. Perez presented SB845 to strengthen career education infrastructure by clarifying definitions of work‑based learning, internships, and youth apprenticeships; by allowing state special schools to offer work‑based programs; and by authorizing local education agencies to cover insurance costs, serve as the employer of record, and award credit for paid on‑the‑job training. Perez said the bill implements components of the career education master plan and recommendations of the California Youth Apprenticeship Committee.

Isis Oriana of the California Workforce Association, a cosponsor, told the committee the legislation addresses concrete barriers such as unclear liability and funding authority that prevent districts and employers from scaling successful youth apprenticeship programs. LeAngela Reed, representing Compton Unified School District, described local programs that have employed apprentices while still in high school and urged committee support to replicate those models statewide.

Supporters including the Society for Human Resource Management, State Building and Construction Trades Council, and Bay Area Council registered public support; no opposition was recorded in the hearing. The committee voted to pass SB845 as amended to the Labor and Employment Committee; the hearing record shows a final committee tally of 8–0 after the roll was left open for add‑ons.

SB845 aims to reduce barriers to industry participation, align credit and apprenticeship pathways, and create clearer operational authority to expand paid and unpaid work‑based learning across districts. The bill was advanced to the Labor and Employment Committee for further consideration.