NextGen Policy

Workforce Development

Cultivating and convening key partnerships across California’s workforce ecosystem to develop state policy and support training programs that meet the diverse labor needs of our state economy.

Workforce Development Lead

Ken Spence

Senior Policy Advisorken.spence@nextgenpolicy.org
Workforce Development Lead

Kami Peer

Policy Advisorkami.peer@nextgenpolicy.org

Our Impact in the Workforce Development Space

Our Workforce Development efforts have achieved significant, measurable outcomes in the number of individuals served, range of professions covered and transition rate to good paying jobs upon completion.

2,500+

Provided IT support and digital navigation services to over 3,500 community members throughout South LA. In 2024, this comprehensive training program deployed 22 Compton College students at 35 local events in their community.

$45 million

Helped secure $45 million to launch The California Healthy School Food Pathway Program, a first-of-its-kind program to provide workforce training to the school food labor force.

$6 million

Have been awarded a $6 million grant to build and expand non-traditional public sector apprenticeship programs in California through the creation of an apprenticeship hub that provides resources and assistance to practitioners and public sector employers.

$1.78 million

Received $1.78 million in funding to support Career Pathways for justice-impacted young adults across the Sacramento region.

Current Work

Building a Public Sector Apprenticeship Hub

The ABA2 grant initiative is working to improve and grow public sector Registered Apprenticeship programs. This effort culminates in a statewide apprenticeship hub designed to meet workforce needs across the state.

Supporting Re-Entry & Reducing Recidivism

Through career readiness, work-based learning, and wraparound services, the Opportunity Young Adult (OYA) grant program aims to improve job outcomes, reduce recidivism, and connect justice-impacted young adults in the Sacramento region with sustainable careers.

Healthy School Food Pathway Program

Creates a new pipeline for the next generation of school food leaders, from entry-level positions to school food system administrators. These school food professionals will impact the lives of millions of California students by providing them more access to freshly prepared, healthy school meals.

Partners

NextGen Policy is proud to collaborate with mission-driven organizations that are driving meaningful change in workforce development across California. Through these partnerships, we are strengthening community connections statewide and contributing to a more equitable, thriving economy for all Californians.

In the News

2026 National Apprenticeship Week Proclamation

2026 National Apprenticeship Week Proclamation

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California’s Apprenticeship System Blueprint

California’s Apprenticeship System Blueprint

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Building a More Integrated and Comprehensive Apprenticeship System in California

Building a More Integrated and Comprehensive Apprenticeship System in California

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2026 CA Apprenticeship Ecosystem Blueprint

2026 CA Apprenticeship Ecosystem Blueprint

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$1.78 Million Groundbreaking Grant Awarded to NextGen Policy to Build Career Pathways for Formerly Incarcerated Young Adults

$1.78 Million Groundbreaking Grant Awarded to NextGen Policy to Build Career Pathways for Formerly Incarcerated Young Adults

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NextGen Policy Secures $6 Million Grant to Build Public Sector Apprenticeship Programs for Underserved Californians

NextGen Policy Secures $6 Million Grant to Build Public Sector Apprenticeship Programs for Underserved Californians

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NextGen Policy Partners with Freedom Through Education, Addresses Needs of Sacramento County’s Underserved Communities

NextGen Policy Partners with Freedom Through Education, Addresses Needs of Sacramento County’s Underserved Communities

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Opportunity Young Adult & Apprenticeship Building America Grant

Opportunity Young Adult & Apprenticeship Building America Grant

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The Road to 500,000 Apprentices

The Road to 500,000 Apprentices

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Tech Trends for 2024: More inclusive, skills-based hiring

Tech Trends for 2024: More inclusive, skills-based hiring

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Racial equity and inclusion in tech: Can apprenticeships help change hiring practices?

Racial equity and inclusion in tech: Can apprenticeships help change hiring practices?

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For Healthier School Meals, California Bets On More Cooks in the Kitchen

For Healthier School Meals, California Bets On More Cooks in the Kitchen

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KCRA 3 News – SMUD Grant

KCRA 3 News – SMUD Grant

NextGen's Senior Policy Advisor Ken Spence on KCRA 3 News discussing SMUD's Shine Grant Award and how it will support the Opportunity Young Adult...

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Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships

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Stay Updated!

Stay up-to-date with our work on Workforce Development.