SHRM Supports California AB 805 to Strengthen Employer Driven Talent Pipelines

SHRM and the California State Council of SHRM recently submitted a letter of support for California Assembly Bill 805, legislation aimed at expanding employer-aligned youth apprenticeship pathways to address persistent workforce shortages and evolving skill needs across the state.

AB 805 establishes the Career Apprenticeship Bridge Program, creating structured earn-and-learn pathways that connect Career Technical Education, adult education, and registered apprenticeships. This approach helps employers develop job-ready talent earlier, reduce skills mismatches, and strengthen long-term workforce planning while providing young people with paid experience, mentorship, and portable credentials.

California employers continue to face significant hiring challenges. SHRM’s 2025 Talent Trends Survey shows that 69 percent of organizations report ongoing difficulty filling open roles, while nearly half have updated job requirements to reflect changing business demands. As skill needs shift rapidly, access to relevant, work-ready talent remains critical to employer competitiveness.

AB 805 also expands access to apprenticeships for young people who face barriers to employment, including opportunity youth, individuals in foster care, people with disabilities, and justice-involved youth. By broadening access to work-based learning, the bill supports stronger workforce participation while helping employers tap into underutilized talent pools.

This legislation aligns with SHRM’s Education to Employment E² Initiative, which emphasizes employer education partnerships, practical skills development, and scalable work-based learning models. By supporting local coordination, employer engagement, and streamlined program approvals, AB 805 advances proven strategies that benefit both businesses and workers.