Calbright to partner with Launch Apprenticeship Network to expand registered apprenticeships

Calbright trustees reviewed a proposed partnership with the Launch Apprenticeship Network to give students access to registered apprenticeships and earn‑and‑learn pathways.

College staff said the partnership positions Calbright to participate in registered apprenticeship programs by leveraging Launch’s role as a sponsor and intermediary that handles employer engagement, program registration and compliance. "Launch is a statewide apprenticeship sponsor...we register apprentices and coordinate the tracking and completions," Natalie Weaver, Launch’s director of programs and projects, told trustees.

Trustees asked whether apprenticeships can be remote or in-person and how the college will serve rural students. Launch staff said registered apprenticeships can be remote or in-person and that they are working with partners (including NextGen) to better serve rural communities; presenters also highlighted online work‑based learning platforms and micro‑internships as complementary opportunities.

The partnership will let Calbright select occupations already registered with the California Division of Apprenticeship Standards for accelerated implementation and connect students with a network of employers, the presenters said. Trustees praised the work as a strategy to combine education with paid work and increase equitable access to career pathways for adult learners.

No formal contractual action was recorded at the meeting; staff said implementation details and occupation selections will be developed with Launch.