New Apprenticeship Pathway Opens for Unit 15 Members

A group of nearly 20 Custodians working at DGS/Sacramento are working to advance their careers in state service as the first members taking part in the new Custodian-to-Office Administration Apprenticeship Program.

It’s a new pathway to upward mobility, the tenth apprentice program created by Local 1000. Our different groundbreaking programs have already graduated 125 members, while another 70 are in progress with their programs.

The new Custodian-to-Office Administration Apprenticeship Program was developed by Local 1000, in partnership with the Department of General Services, the Department of Industrial Relations—the Division of Apprenticeship Standards—and Bakersfield College. The first cohort of apprentices was registered in a signing ceremony at the Ziggurat Building in West Sacramento on August 15, 2023.

Historically, there have not been opportunities for Custodians to grow their skills, promote within-state service, and increase their income. This program is a first of its kind for Unit 15 members and directly addresses those issues.

This program has been more than four years in the making and is a long overdue opportunity for our Custodians who aim to promote into clerical, administrative, and analytical roles. Over the course of the next two years, the apprentices will receive the education and training required to meet the minimum qualifications for classifications such as Office Technician, Personnel Specialist, and Staff Services Analyst. This apprenticeship comes at no cost to apprentices and allows them to grow their skills without any loss of income.

Upward mobility and career advancement are a union priority. Future opportunities for participation in our respective programs are anticipated throughout next year. Learn more about Local 1000 apprenticeship opportunities here.