If you are a young person living in California and wondering how to land a solid job without a college degree, you are going to want to hear this. The California Opportunity Youth Apprenticeship (COYA) program just received a new round of funding—$15.4 million to be exact—and that means thousands of young Californians can now access job training, apprenticeships, and real wages through programs built to meet you where you are.
This could be a life-changing opportunity if college is not in your plans or you are simply looking for a better path forward.
Who qualifies for the california coya employment program?
The COYA program is specifically designed for young Californians between 16 and 24 years old. It is not just about age though—it is about giving a real chance to those who have faced obstacles in education or employment. You may qualify if you are:
- A young parent
- A current or former foster youth
- A person with a disability
- A student with gaps in your education
- Attending school in a high-poverty community
- Completely disconnected from school or work
If any of these describe your current situation, you might be eligible to join a COYA-funded apprenticeship and start earning while learning valuable job skills.
How much funding is available through the coya program?
This second round of funding includes $15.4 million, supporting 29 youth apprenticeship programs across California. That is on top of the $31 million from the first round in 2024, which funded 51 different projects.
So, what does that mean for you?
- Paid job training
- Pathways into high-demand careers
- Opportunities to build a real future without college debt
Governor Gavin Newsom explained the vision clearly:
“Success should not always require a college degree. California is reimagining the future of work in a way that aligns with the needs of our community and economy.”
What types of jobs can you get through the coya program?
There are several fields where COYA funding is opening doors. Here are some of the standout opportunities in this second round:
- Entertainment industry jobs
- Through Hollywood Cinema Production Resources, you can access union-based training in areas like lighting, stagecraft, editing, and set decoration
- Perfect for those who want to work behind the scenes in film and television
- Through Hollywood Cinema Production Resources, you can access union-based training in areas like lighting, stagecraft, editing, and set decoration
- Entry-level firefighter positions
- San Diego Miramar College is offering a Pre-Apprenticeship Fire Academy
- Trains 100 youth to meet Fire Fighter 1 certification standards
- Could lead to employment in one of California’s 170+ fire departments
- San Diego Miramar College is offering a Pre-Apprenticeship Fire Academy
- Hospitality careers
- The Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) in Los Angeles partners with UNITE HERE Local 11
- Offers comprehensive training with real job placement, full-time wages, benefits, and pensions
- The Hospitality Training Academy (HTA) in Los Angeles partners with UNITE HERE Local 11
- Educational paraprofessional roles
- Tulare County Office of Education is building a program that leads to careers in K-12 teaching
- You start with short-term apprenticeships and build toward becoming a certified educator
- Tulare County Office of Education is building a program that leads to careers in K-12 teaching
How do you apply for the coya apprenticeship program?
If you believe you meet the requirements, here is what you should do:
- Visit your local job training center or youth employment office
- Ask about COYA-funded programs near you
- Check the California Department of Industrial Relations website for updates
- Get help from a school counselor or community support group
These programs are designed to remove the barriers that often stand in the way of young people. Whether you dropped out of school, never went to college, or are just trying to find a stable career path, this could be your shot at something better.
