Above: Torrance Unified School District students visit FlightWave in Torrance as part of the South Bay Workforce Investment Board’s Aero-Flex pre-apprenticeship program.
Written by Chris Cagle, deputy director, South Bay Workforce Investment Board
Some of the most important career conversations in the South Bay happen long before a job application is submitted. They take place in classrooms, on employer tours, inside training labs, and during hands-on experiences that help people of all ages and backgrounds see a future for themselves in the industries growing all around them.
As the South Bay continues to lead in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, aviation, technology and other high-demand sectors, our region faces a shared responsibility: ensuring that residents are prepared to access opportunities.
Employers need skilled talent. Young people need clear pathways from education to meaningful careers. Apprenticeships meet both needs.
Apprenticeships are state and federally recognized workforce development programs that allow participants to earn wages while gaining the skills, experience and industry-recognized credentials employers need. While many people associate apprenticeships with the building trades, today’s apprenticeship opportunities extend into aerospace, advanced manufacturing, health care, information technology, aviation and other high-growth industries.
At the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs serve as bridges between education, industry and economic opportunities. They allow students and job seekers to learn by doing, connecting directly with professionals and understanding how their interests can develop into lasting careers.
Over the past several years, the SBWIB has helped develop apprenticeship opportunities across a variety of industry sectors throughout the region. These programs provide pathways to quality careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce needed to remain competitive. That work is increasingly taking root in South Bay school districts and communities. Through sector-focused pre-apprenticeship programs, the SBWIB is helping students explore career pathways before they leave high school by combining work readiness instruction, industry exposure and hands-on learning.
Thirty-two Aero-Flex pre-apprentices from South and Torrance High Schools recently explored the rapidly growing unmanned aircraft systems industry through a visit to FlightWave Aerospace in Torrance. Students observed prototype assembly, avionics integration and live flight testing while hearing directly from engineers and technical professionals. Additional cohorts of students experienced pre-apprenticeships in sports medicine and arts media and entertainment occupations.
The SBWIB is also connecting students to the space economy. Through partnerships, the SBWIB is leading the development of the StarWorks Aerospace HUB, an initiative aligned with NASA’s workforce development goals that seeks to strengthen pathways into aerospace and space-related careers. By working with schools, colleges, employers and community partners, the initiative aims to inspire the next generation of scientists, technicians, engineers and skilled trades professionals who will help shape the future of space exploration and innovation.
These apprenticeship experiences help students understand that advanced careers are not distant or abstract and are often located in their own communities. They also demonstrate that there are many kinds of opportunities. The aerospace and space exploration industries depend on a broad range of skilled professionals, not limited to astronauts and engineers.
Apprenticeships create opportunities beyond early career exposure. The SBWIB’s Aero-Flex apprenticeship program has connected participants to earn-and-learn pathways and full-time employment opportunities with major aerospace employers such as Northrop Grumman in Redondo Beach.
That is the power of apprenticeship. It can inspire a high school student, support a displaced worker, help an employer develop talent and strengthen the region’s competitiveness at the same time. •
To learn more about the SBWIB’s Aero-Flex pre-apprenticeship/apprenticeship program, visit sbwib.org/aero-flex