NextGen Policy Appoints Blaine Smith as California Statewide Apprenticeship Hub Director

For Immediate Release: October 9, 2025
Contact: Tyler Bushnell, tyler.bushnell@nextgenpolicy.org

Blaine Smith to develop statewide apprenticeship hub system that expands apprenticeship programs across California

SACRAMENTO, CA – NextGen Policy today announced that Blaine Smith was appointed as California Statewide Apprenticeship Hub Director. Smith is responsible for the strategic development of a statewide apprenticeship hub system that expands apprenticeship programs across California. His role includes guiding the implementation of NextGen Policy’s $6 million Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) grant from the US Department of Labor to help California-based organizations build non-traditional, public sector apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. This news showcases NextGen Policy’s commitment to meeting the needs of California's underserved, rural, and low income communities by partnering with organizations across the state to foster new apprenticeship opportunities.

The ABA grant program focuses on supporting initiatives that expand and modernize registered apprenticeship programs, providing pathways to quality careers while addressing the hiring needs that many public sector organizations are facing. Smith is tasked with supporting the ongoing development of a system that brings together an array of stakeholders including employers, educators, nonprofits, government, labor groups, and industry organizations.

Specifically, the Statewide Apprenticeship Hub:

Provides technical assistance in program design, funding, and compliance
Builds partnerships across regions and industries
Supports local governments and public agencies in launching or expanding apprenticeships in IT, Health & Human Services, K-12/School Nutrition, HR/Accounting, and more
Coordinates resources and shares best practices statewide

This ABA grant award represents the partnership between NextGen Policy; The Clover Agency, a leading grant and project management consultancy; and the Institute for Local Government (ILG), a mission-driven non-profit organization providing education, training and capacity-building services to cities, counties and special districts. The Clover Agency is responsible for overall project and grant management, structuring the California Statewide Apprenticeship Hub, and monitoring deliverables and outcomes. Additionally, the ABA grant will enable ILG to expand its services as a specialized local government employer-focused apprenticeship intermediary to raise awareness of non-traditional apprenticeships for cities, counties and special districts.

“I’m honored to step into the role of California Statewide Apprenticeship Hub Director and help advance this critical work,” said Blaine Smith. “Expanding apprenticeship opportunities isn’t just about building stronger career pathways, it’s about ensuring people in need have access to meaningful economic mobility. I look forward to partnering with organizations statewide to create sustainable, high-quality programs that meet workforce needs – all while opening doors to Californians who too often have been left behind.”

“Blaine is the right leader at the right time,” said Ken Spence, Senior Policy Advisor at NextGen Policy. “His deep experience building partnerships, and his passion for expanding opportunities, make him uniquely equipped to deliver large, positive impacts across the state.”

Previously, Smith was the founder of CMESA, a full-service consulting firm that unites industry leaders to deliver strategic outcomes and help organizations stay competitive in an evolving landscape. Smith is a workforce development executive with more than 15 years of experience leading large-scale initiatives across California’s community college and workforce systems. He successfully managed over $100 million in federal, state, and local grants, including programs through the U.S. Department of Labor, Strong Workforce, and Adult Education Block Grants. Blaine is recognized for designing and scaling apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, building equity-driven career pathways, and developing innovative tools that connect thousands of learners, educators, and employers.

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About NextGen Policy

NextGen Policy is a nonprofit advocacy organization that breaks down barriers and rebalances power in the State Capitol on behalf of all Californians.

About The Clover Agency

The Clover Agency is a program management consultancy with a simple belief: everyone, regardless of their background, native language, culture, sexual orientation, age, or race, deserves an equal opportunity to embark on a fulfilling career journey. Our commitment to this belief serves as the cornerstone of our program model, designed to empower learners of all ages. We are dedicated to helping all individuals navigate the transitions and milestones that lead to successful, meaningful careers, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant economy for all.

About Institute for Local Government

The Institute for Local Government is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that supports local governments with tackling their most pressing and evolving issues related to workforce development, climate action, leadership, ethics, and public engagement. Since its founding by the League of California Cities in 1955, ILG has provided conscious counsel, training, research, and technical assistance to empower and educate local agency leaders and deliver real-world expertise to help them navigate complex issues, increase their capacity, and build trust in their communities. ILG proudly serves municipalities large and small, urban and rural throughout California. Find out more at cailg.org.