California Launches Workforce Development Fund to Train Workers for Jobs of the Future

SACRAMENTO – Gov. Gavin Newsom May 10, announced a new public-private partnership to create workforce development programs focused on careers in climate, public health and other jobs of the future, particularly in disadvantaged communities. The High Road Training Fund is launched in partnership with the nonprofit Jobs for the Future or JFF and California Workforce Development Board. 

California has already invested about $62 million in public funding to expand High Road Training Partnerships (HRTP) and High Road Construction Careers (HRCC). Throughout the next three years, the High Road Training Fund will invest more than $18 million to support the needs of HRTP and HRCC grantees. Gov. Newsom has proposed more than $500 million to further expand high road programs. 

The HRTP and HRCC, administered by the California Workforce Development Board, provide training to help workers garner the skills and experience necessary to participate in growing and emerging industries such as construction, forestry and agriculture, hospitality, public transit and utilities, health care, trade and logistics.

The fund will provide resources to cover the barriers often faced by workers living in poverty, ranging from support to cover basic needs like housing and food insecurity to capacity-building funding for local programs and community-based organization partners.