About
Strengthening Our Local Government Workforce through Registered Apprenticeships
Bridge is a new initiative designed to support California’s local governments in recruiting and attracting workers through Registered Apprenticeships in high-demand fields like accounting, human resources, IT, health and human services, and more.
The Institute for Local Government (ILG) is spearheading Bridge, with support from NextGenPolicy and The Clover Agency, initially focusing on establishing 5-10 Registered Apprenticeships in California local governments. ILG will provide local government participants with the resources, support, and guidance to develop and implement apprenticeship programs that meet their unique needs.
Who Can Join Bridge?
Bridge supports California local governments experiencing workforce recruitment and retention challenges that result in disruptive job vacancies, and those wanting to take a proactive approach to building a future-ready workforce. The initiative is open to cities, counties, and special districts.
New research shows that RAPs offer higher retention rates than non-apprenticed career pathways and participants advance faster than traditional hires.*
*JFF and California Community Colleges report: The State of Apprenticeships in California
About Non-Traditional Registered Apprenticeships
A Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) is a federally or state-accredited career pathway program that incorporates classroom learning with on-the-job training.
RAPs help public sector employers meet increasing labor demands by growing the workforce in construction, technology, health care, education, and many vocational sectors. A “non-traditional” apprenticeship serves career paths outside of building, construction, or public safety.
Components of a RAP
About the Institute for Local Government
The Institute for Local Government (ILG) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports local governments with tackling their most pressing and evolving issues related to workforce development, climate action, leadership, ethics, and public engagement. Since 1955, ILG has provided conscious counsel, training, resources, and technical assistance to empower and educate local agency leaders and deliver real-world expertise to help them navigate complex issues, increase their capacity, and build trust in their communities. As the nonprofit affiliate of the League of California Cities, the California State Association of Counties (CSAC), and the California Special Districts Association (CSDA), ILG proudly serves municipalities large and small, urban and rural throughout California. Find out more at ca-ilg.org.
About NextGen Policy
As a Black-led nonprofit, NextGen Policy (NGP) advances policies and programs focused on equity and justice for all Californians. NGP has helped pass over 250 laws and secured more than $50 billion in budget funding across a broad array of areas, including climate, higher education, workforce development, food insecurity, and digital inclusion. NGP excels at diagnosing policy challenges and pulling the right levers to create real change. Their work has meaningfully affected millions of Californians, delivering billions of dollars in social and economic benefits to under-resourced communities throughout the state.
About The Clover Agency
The Clover Agency is a marketing and consulting firm offering clients a thorough strategic plan and the assistance necessary to implement that plan through recommended marketing and public relations efforts and a thoughtful social media strategy. The team — comprised of educational consultants, seasoned administrators, curriculum specialists, data analysts, and professional development experts — offers grant writing, program management, public-private partnerships, skills training, workforce development services, and more.