In response to growing interest in regional apprenticeship outcomes, the Orange County Center of Excellence for Labor Market Research (OC COE) conducted an in-depth review of apprenticeship data sources and program activity across Orange County.

The report, Orange County Community College Apprenticeship Opportunities: Expanding Workforce Pathways, draws from the Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS), the US Department of Labor (DOL), and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office (CCCCO) and its institutional data sources such as COCI and Data Mart, to assess the availability, accuracy, and consistency of regional apprenticeship data. With 71 total programs across 6 sectors and $12.5 million in CAI funding awarded, the region is taking a significant role in expanding apprenticeship opportunities statewide.

The report documents key trends in apprenticeship funding distribution, program availability, and demographic representation. It marks Phase 1: Assessment of a two-part research series, establishing a foundational understanding of the current apprenticeship landscape in the region. Findings from this phase highlight inconsistent and contradictory data, a concentration of programs in traditional building trades, and limited diversity in participation due to this concentration. Additionally, the absence of student metrics— particularly for relatively new California Apprenticeship Initiative (CAI)-funded programs—presents a significant challenge. These are insights that will guide an Apprenticeship Phase 2: Evaluation study (release date to be determined), which will examine apprenticeship outcomes and expansion opportunities to regional labor market demand.