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Apprenticeship and Internship Opportunities in California
According to industry statistics, there is a shortage of nearly 20,000 body technicians per year. This is leaving many shop owners wondering where to look for new employees.
The following information has been compiled by the California Autobody Association. It has been designed to assist you in your search for employees.
There is no single answer to the question, "Where do I find a new employee?" The answer is that there are many places to look, and depending upon where you are located within the State of California, your options will vary.
Your options will include, but are not limited to:
Check you local listings for more information.
The keys to the success of any of the above mentioned programs are: to find out what's available to you in your local area currently, to find out what you can do to work with these agencies to help develop additional programs in your area, and not to get discouraged.
Do your research and find someone locally that will work with you on this matter. Note: This person probably will not be the first person you talk to.
Federally Funded Programs - One Stop Career Centers
Numerous federal programs are available to employers interested in interns and apprentices. In fact, there are so many programs out there that it is nearly impossible to describe them all in this format. Federal programs are also constantly changing both in scope and in name, therefore we felt it best to leave it up the pro's to describe these programs to you. Your local EDD office, your local high school career center or ROP program director, or local career centers are all good stepping stones in locating federally funded programs. Most communities have developed "one stop career centers" to assist employers in their search for workers/trainees. Those communities without one stop centers should have them shortly. At a one stop center, all potential workers/trainees are pre-screened and are matched free of charge. These one stop centers also offer access to a variety of state and federally funded programs such as:
- Work Experience (WEX),
- Limited Internship (LI),
- and On-The-Job Training (OJT).
These programs provide funding to help pay for the training wage of the workers. To qualify for services, employers must provide a valid Tax ID number and show proof of Workers' Compensation Insurance. Different programs are offered in different areas, so be sure to contact your local one stop center to find out what's available to you.
The State of California - Apprenticeship Program
The State of California, through the Dept. of Industrial Relations, offers a State-funded apprenticeship program. Today, there are approximately 50,000 apprentices in California located in hundreds of different fields, autobody repair being just one of these.
The program includes two basic elements:
- Supervised on-the-job training (OJT) in all work areas, and
- Related and/or supplemental instruction, applicable to the occupation and the industry.
How Does the Program Work? According to the Division of Apprenticeship Standards, "The basic concept is to place selected high school students that are at least sixteen (16) years of age, normally juniors or seniors, in an apprenticeship program. The high school will modify and/or supplement normal high school curriculum with classes that prepare the student/apprentice for the world of work and employment. The apprentice may be required to satisfactorily complete a portion of the required related and/or supplemental instruction at this time. The student/apprentice will work for a designated employer outside school hours, or during summer and other breaks from school. The student/apprentice will be compensated by the employer for the work. The student/apprentice, upon completion of high school, will be employed by the employer, full time in the occupation indentured. The apprentice will also attend and satisfactorily complete classes of related and/or supplemental instruction which are applicable to the occupation and /or industry, provided by a designated community college or other local educational provider, normally in the evenings. Upon completion of specified OJT hours in functional occupational areas and completion of all required related and/or supplemental instruction, the apprentices will receive a certificate of completion of the apprenticeship and shall be classified and paid a journey level worker in the industry."
Some facts about today's apprenticeship program:
- The employer and apprentice enter into a contract which agree to lead the apprentice to official journey level status
- Apprentices are paid wages while in training and those wages increase as the apprentice satisfactorily progresses through the defined program
- Apprentices learn by working directly under the supervision and tutelage of masters in the occupation.
- Apprenticeship implies a social obligation between the program sponsor, employers, and the apprentice - the right to expect that the apprentice will be employed as a journey level worker following completion of the program.
For more information about what's available in your area, contact your local district office.
Division of Apprenticeship Standards Headquarters
San Francisco - (415) 975-2035
District Offices
Fresno - (209) 445-5431
Oakland - (510) 577-5170
Sacramento - (916) 263-2877
Santa Ana - (714) 558-4126
Los Angeles - (213) 897-1385
Riverside - (909) 320-6355
San Jose - (408) 277-1273
Stockton - (209) 468-9003
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