ERICA Grant Opportunity Now Live! 2025 Funding for Apprenticeship & Workforce Programs in California

Unlock Up to $500,000 in Workforce Development Funding

$13,000,000

Funds Available

3/12/25

Due Date

What Can This Funding Be Used For?

The ERICA Grant provides $100,000 to $500,000 in funding to support apprenticeship and workforce development programs in California, with a focus on increasing access for women, non-binary individuals, and underrepresented communities in the construction trades.

This funding can be used for recruitment and outreach efforts, childcare support for apprentices, worksite culture improvements, DEI training, mentorship programs, and employer engagement initiatives. The grant exists to remove barriers to entry, create inclusive career pathways, and strengthen California’s construction workforce by fostering diversity, retention, and long-term success for apprentices.

Category 1: Recruitment ($100K – $500K)

Outreach & Strategies for Diverse Apprentices

Recruit apprentices from underrepresented communities

Host events & career fairs to attract new apprentices & employers

Enhance marketing & website engagement for your program

Provide mentorship & workforce retention support

Childcare ($200K – $1.5M)

Support for Apprentices with Children

This funding category provides direct financial assistance to help apprentices balance training with childcare responsibilities, removing one of the biggest barriers for women, single parents, and caregivers pursuing a career in construction.

  • Direct Childcare Subsidies: Provide $5,000 per pre-apprentice and $10,000 per apprentice for childcare costs.

  • Partner with local childcare providers and early education centers to secure discounted or dedicated childcare slots for apprentices.

  • On-Site or Near-Site Childcare Support: Develop childcare partnerships with local unions, trade schools, and workforce centers to provide on-site or nearby facilities.

Worksite Culture ($100K – $500K)

DEI Training, Mentorship & Mental Health

DEI training, mentorship, mental health

  • Recruit and train experienced mentors to support new apprentices, particularly women, non-binary individuals, and underrepresented groups.

  • Implement anti-discrimination, anti-harassment, and cultural competency workshops for apprentices, journey workers, contractors, and managers.

  • Develop worksite culture policies and templates that promote respect, inclusion, and psychological safety.

Who is Eligible?

  • State-registered apprenticeship & pre-apprenticeship programs
  • Workforce boards, community colleges, and trade organizations
  • Unions and employer-backed training programs
  • Community-based organizations

How We Help You Succeed:

We provide full-service grant administration, marketing, and project execution support.

This allows your team to focus on training apprentices while we handle the logistics:

  • Grant Application Support – Structure your submission to align with funding priorities. Prepare materials, assist with online portal.
  • Website & Digital Outreach – Build your website pages, application portals & SEO-driven recruitment pages, plus marketing materials.
  • Marketing & Events – Promote your program & drive engagement
  • Worksite Culture Implementation – Project manage and subcontractor oversight to develop training & mentorship initiatives
  • Administrative & Compliance – Ensure seamless tracking & reporting
Kevin Wittig
Kevin WittigManaging Director

It All Starts With a consultation!

Schedule a Zoom Call – Let’s go over the ERICA grant & how to apply. We’ll outline a strategy for your application. Once secured, We’ll assist in launching outreach, marketing, and program support.

 

Submission Deadline: March 12, 2025!