SAN MARCOS – The San Marcos Unified School District (SMUSD) proudly announces the approval from the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) for the Pre-Apprenticeship designation of their Construction Pathway, a key component of the district’s Career Technical Education (CTE) program.
Nicole DiRanna, Director of K12 Equitable Curriculum and Instruction, highlighted the significance of this designation, stating, “Having our Construction Pathway receive Pre-Apprenticeship designation means that students looking for high-paying jobs in the construction field will be able to take appropriate coursework while in high school and simultaneously earn 180 hours of experience in a trade.”
The California Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs prepare individuals for success in DAS Registered Apprenticeship programs. Beginning fall 2024, San Marcos High School will offer a registered Pre-Apprenticeship Program in collaboration with the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of San Diego. This initiative allows students to accumulate up to 180 hours of experience during high school, paving the way for formal acceptance into the AGC Apprenticeship program upon graduation.
Nicole DiRanna emphasized the evolution of the partnership with AGC, stating, “Prior to this, our Construction program had built and maintained a strong working relationship with AGC. This is the next natural step in the evolution of our partnership with them.”
Participating students in the Pre-Apprenticeship program will receive a complimentary pair of work boots and a tool belt. Upon graduation, they will have the opportunity to “earn while they learn” as full-time apprentices in the Construction Industry, with a median salary of $76,928.
Dr. Andy Johnsen, SMUSD Superintendent, commended the initiative, stating, “Engaging coursework and partnerships like these not only help our students become ready for the next step after high school, or as we call Future Ready, but they also create a pipeline in areas of our local economy that need this skilled workforce.”