LAUNCH CVML Apprenticeship Network

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About the LAUNCH CVML Apprenticeship Network

The LAUNCH CVML Apprenticeship Network was established by the Central Valley Mother Lode Region College Consortium to harness the workforce and education systems of the region’s community colleges, K-12 districts, and Workforce Development Boards. By embedding apprenticeship opportunities within these organizations, LAUNCH CVML serves as both an intermediary and an education provider, helping businesses adopt and thrive with the apprenticeship model.

Additionally, LAUNCH CVML offers regional resources to design and implement apprenticeship programs, expanding access to both traditional and innovative pathways. In short, LAUNCH simplifies the apprenticeship process, making it accessible and effective for businesses and job seekers in the Central Valley Mother Lode Region.

For more information, contact: adriana.fonseca@crconsortium.com

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Why Apprenticeship?

The modern workplace demands a constantly evolving set of skills and aptitudes. Once limited to the skilled trades, apprenticeships have become a versatile workforce development strategy across diverse industries. Over the last five decades, industries such as manufacturing, information technology, health care, tourism, transportation, and energy have adopted apprenticeship programs to build their workforce.

While the scope of apprenticeships has expanded, the core principle remains unchanged: new workers gain hands-on experience alongside seasoned professionals while integrating classroom-based theoretical learning. This combination ensures that apprentices develop both technical skills and industry-specific knowledge, meeting the demands of today’s dynamic workplaces.

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What is an Apprenticeship?

Registered apprenticeship programs offer structured training to help employees progress from foundational skills to advanced expertise required for successful careers in their chosen fields.

Programs typically last one to six years, depending on the time needed to master the skills and competencies demanded by the profession and the employer’s specific requirements. Employers play a critical role in defining the content and scope of these training programs, tailoring them to meet industry standards.

Flexibility is a hallmark of apprenticeships, allowing employers to start participants at an advanced level if they demonstrate prior relevant skills. Apprentices also benefit from a progressive wage structure, receiving incremental pay increases tied to their skill development, competency achievements, or predetermined milestones.

This approach provides clear incentives for apprentices to grow professionally while encouraging program completion. Employers, in turn, can recruit and train new employees at “training rates” as they gain proficiency, ensuring compliance with minimum wage standards.

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