Connecting Classrooms to Careers: New Legislation Aims to Boost Youth Workforce in the Valley

Strategic Insights -

California Representative Josh Harder recently toured a local winery with students and entrepreneurs, highlighting the need to address youth workforce shortages in the Valley. According to the office of Rep. Harder, a new legislation, the Apprenticeships for Small Businesses Act, aims to create a tax credit to unlock career opportunities for local students. The bill, introduced with Rep. Jen Kiggans, has garnered support from local organizations, including San Joaquin A+ and the San Joaquin County Office of Education.

Key Takeaways:

  • 64% of young workers in the Valley earned low wages, and 60% reported difficulty affording expenses in 2023.
  • More than 10% of young adults in California were not in school, working, or looking for a job in recent years due to workforce challenges.
  • Local businesses want to hire locally but struggle with red tape and rising costs, making it difficult to expand internship and apprenticeship opportunities.
  • The Apprenticeships for Small Businesses Act creates a tax credit for small businesses to cover up to 50% or $10,000 of the employment of students aged 20 or younger.
  • The bill also makes it easier for career technical programs at high schools or community colleges to work with local businesses to place students in their programs.
  • Rep. Harder emphasizes that the bill aims to "turn local students into local hires" and unlock lifelong career success for young adults.
  • The legislation has received support from local organizations, including San Joaquin A+ and the San Joaquin County Office of Education.

Statistics:

  • 64% of young workers in the Valley earned low wages in 2023.
  • 60% of young workers in the Valley reported difficulty affording expenses in 2023.
  • More than 10% of young adults in California were not in school, working, or looking for a job in recent years.
  • 1.5 million students are enrolled in trade schools in the United States.

Sources:

  • Office of California Representative Josh Harder
  • San Joaquin A+