Existing law establishes the Prerelease Construction Trades Certificate Program in the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation to increase employment opportunities in the construction trades for inmates upon release. Existing law requires the department to establish a joint advisory committee composed of, among others, representatives from building and construction trades employee organizations to implement the program, as specified. Existing law establishes the California Conservation Camp program to provide for the training and use of the inmates and wards assigned to conservation camps in the furtherance of public conservation, including forest fire prevention and control.

This bill would additionally require the joint advisory committee, in consultation with various state entities, to facilitate the admission of graduates of the California Conservation Camp program after release into state-approved apprenticeships and apprenticeship programs, as specified. The bill would state that successful completion of the program constitutes qualifying experience for a state-approved apprenticeship, as specified. The bill would require the department, in partnership with the Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, and the California Conservation Camp program to ensure that individuals who complete the program receive a certificate to ensure eligibility for state-approved apprenticeship programs.