WestCal Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Youth Economic Advancement (sponsored by the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation)

County of Los Angeles

Applying a proven model or solution to a new issue or sector (e.g., using a job recruiting software or strategy to match clients to supportive housing sites, applying demonstrated strategies from advocating for college affordability to advocating for housing affordability and homelessness, etc.)

WestCal Academy has served Los Angeles County for over eight (8) years. We help students of all ages discover their career pathway through our WestCal Pre-Apprenticeship Program that allows participants to engage multiple career opportunities. This gives the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with careers before dedicating themselves to a full traditional or non-traditional apprenticeship program. Career options include, but are not limited to: automotive, baking, carpentry, culinay, dental assisting, electrical, graphic arts, machinist, medical assisting, pharmacy technician, plumbing, sterile technician. The best assurance for securing a thriving wage is thorugh a California registered apprenticeship. Starting wages start at near $20 per hour and nearly all with benefits. Living wages are not the goal. WestCal Academy advocates for thriving wages. Apprenticeships have a higher payout than most college programs.

Since July 2022, WestCal Academy began conducting its programs for justice impacted youth housed at Los Angeles County Probation, Dorothy F. Kirby Center in Commerce, CA. Over that same period of time, WestCal Academy was approached by Long Beach Unified School District to establish our programs for all their high schools, beginning with Lakewood High School and Poly Academy Of Achievers and Leaders. As our program for justice impacted youth demonstrated success in career placement, WestCal Academy was given the opportunity to expand our program at additional probation halls and camps, as well as to expand programs to more diversionary youth. WestCal Academy is in need of additional funding in order to expand our services at additional Los Angeles County Probation halls and camps, that may include Barry J. Nidorf. WestCal Academy maintains a master agreement with Los Angeles County Probation that already lays out our master plan for expansion into additional halls and camps.

Promoting apprenticeships that lead to careeers with thriving wages will help families survive economic hardships relating to rising food, housing, and transportation costs.

WestCal Academy tracks student career success throughout the pre-apprenticeship, apprenticeship, and career placement stages. We are able to document career and wage progression for our collaborators.