The Sacramento business climate is harsh. Businesses complain that they can enjoy lower costs and less governmental burden in other markets. They wonder if they should remain here or buy into claims from Austin, Dallas and Houston their business environments are better. This proposal and the two others in my series will show how to make Sacramento more business friendly and reduce the allure of other cities. This is proposal three.
Proposal 3:
To attract and retain business, Sacramento must provide a high-quality workforce. This workforce speaks Spanish and English. The workforce is prepared for the information age. This workforce is trained in or near Sacramento and has pledged to remain in or near Sacramento for the immediate 10 years after their formal education concludes.
The share of California’s population that speaks Spanish is growing faster than shares representing any other language. English is currently the primary language. Those who know both are more able to commence business in California than those who speak only one language.
Upon entering high school, students may enter an apprenticeship program specific to Sacramento County. They would contract with a local business and agree to work for them after graduation. The sponsor company will provide 50% funding for the apprentice’s tuition in both high school and college. For students in high school, the business would pay 50% of the average student cost for all four years. When the student reaches age 16, they will have an automatic apprenticeship at minimum wage for the company. This apprenticeship will also serve as work-study for the student and count as class time.
When the student graduates high school, they can continue their apprenticeship at market rates or continue their formal education in or near Sacramento. The company will continue subsidizing their education. The student will have a part time job at the sponsor company, at market rates.
When the student completes their formal education (by graduating high school, college or other occupational training) and agrees to work full time, the student will work for the company for 10 years at market rates.
This program will help ensure locally-developed talent remains in Sacramento. Businesses invest in students who become apprentices who become full time employees.
I have my dissenters. They can argue this program creates an unfair advantage for local students who would do almost anything to fund a college education. I agree. They can also argue that companies will not want to subsidize high school and college educations. I respond that, for good apprentices and employees who will stay with a company 10+ years, companies would be happy to make this investment.
Regardless, we must encourage businesses to remain in California. The apprenticeship program is my third proposal. You may contact me at mark@cameronparkcomputer.com for reprints of the previous proposals.
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