Consortium Leaders and Employer Partners Highlight the Impact of Apprenticeship Programs Across the Los Angeles Region
LOS ANGELES, CA – In recognition of National Apprenticeship Week (April 26th through May 2nd), the Los Angeles Regional Consortium (LARC) is celebrating the growing impact of registered apprenticeship programs across the region. Apprenticeships continue to stand out as one of the most effective workforce strategies, connecting education and industry while creating real opportunities for students and workers.
Aligned with the Vision 2030 goals of the California Community Colleges and Governor Newsom’s Master Plan for Career Education, apprenticeship programs are key to expanding access to work-based learning and advancing equitable career pathways. These programs allow students to earn wages, build in-demand skills, and enter the workforce with a clear trajectory toward long-term success.
As the regional convener for workforce and career education across 19 community colleges, LARC is committed to expanding access to apprenticeship opportunities across Los Angeles County. By partnering with employers in high-growth sectors, LARC is helping build a more responsive and inclusive workforce system.
“National Apprenticeship Week is a chance to recognize what becomes possible when education and industry come together with a shared purpose. Apprenticeships provide competitive wages, real skills, and a real future. LARC is proud to lead this work and to see students across our region transform their lives through these programs,” said Narineh Makijan, Chair / Assistant Vice President, Los Angeles Regional Consortium.
Today, 12 community colleges within Los Angeles County offer a variety of apprenticeship programs from traditional programs like energy, construction, and utilities, to advanced transportation, logistics, early childhood education and healthcare.
“Apprenticeship programs give our students the opportunity to earn while they learn, graduating with a credential and a career already underway. National Apprenticeship Week is a reminder of why this work matters and why we must continue to grow it,” added Dr. Jose Fierro, Superintendent/President, Cerritos College and CEO Co-Chair, Los Angeles Regional Consortium.
The apprenticeship model has proven especially effective in high-demand fields such as pharmacy technology, where employers report measurable improvements in workforce readiness among program graduates. Walgreens, the national pharmaceutical and convenience store chain, has collaborated with pharmacy technician schools including Mt. San Antonio College to prepare apprentices for careers in retail pharmacy.
“Working with apprentices is very fulfilling. There’s something about watching somebody come in with new knowledge around their chosen career.” added Laurae Ross, Manager, Pharmacy and Retail Operations, Walgreens. “Apprentices tend to be better prepared to enter our job force, including gaining the skills that it takes to show up well for an interview, as well as learning the skills necessary to perform in our fast-paced environment.
“LA Harbor College is proud to stand alongside our employer partners and fellow institutions in celebrating the apprentices who are shaping the future of our workforce. These programs reflect our deepest values as a community college, meeting students where they are and supporting them every step of the way,” concluded Dr. Luis Dorado, President, LA Harbor College and Co-Chair, Los Angeles Regional Consortium.
About the Los Angeles Regional Consortium
The Los Angeles Regional Consortium (LARC) coordinates workforce and career education across the Los Angeles Community College District and its partner institutions. LARC works to align education and training programs with regional labor market needs, building pathways that connect students and workers to quality careers. Through partnerships with employers, industry associations, and community organizations, LARC advances equitable workforce development across the greater Los Angeles region. Learn more at losangelesrc.org.
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Download the Los Angeles Regional Consortium Celebrates National Apprenticeship Week press release here.
