CAL-JAC

Turning Work Experience into College Credits

Cal-JAC Apprentices New Pathways to College Degrees

Every day, apprentices across California complete extensive training to master skills that fuel our state’s workforce, yet many have no college credits to show for it. Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), a California initiative prioritized by the Governor and charged by the Mapping Articulated Pathways (MAP) Initiative, ensures that hard-earned training and experience counts. By recognizing the knowledge and skills already learned, CPL demonstrates how California is removing barriers, expanding equitable college access at no cost to participants, and providing opportunities for those aspiring to earn a college degree.

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office has enlisted the MAP Initiative to spearhead efforts to expand and maximize college credit for prior learning. The initiative focuses on building pathways that convert journey level certificates into associate degrees through collaboration with industry partners like Cal-JAC and supporting colleges in awarding credit to journeypersons allowing for salary increases and promotional opportunities educational stipends.

“Our apprentices work tirelessly to reach journey level status,” said Yvonne de la Peña, Executive Director of the Cal-JAC. “Credit for Prior Learning turns years of hard-earned training and experience into college credits at no cost to the individual. This is a big deal, and we’re excited to see how this initiative will change lives.”

Depending on the certification, journey-persons could qualify for 65 units+ to apply toward a college degree.

While MAP’s Credit for Prior Learning is available at all 116 California Community Colleges, so far nine of the 70 colleges with fire-based curriculum have fully implemented pathways for Cal-JAC certifications. The program is in its early stages, and Cal-JAC will continue working with the Chancellor’s Office to expand access to all 70 community colleges offering fire-based programs.

Individuals who’ve completed a Cal-JAC-approved journey level certificate are eligible to apply for CPL. The process is straightforward and easy to complete. First, individuals need to apply to a chosen California community college if they are not enrolled. Next, complete and submit a CPL Petition to the relevant Division Office or reach out to a counselor for assistance. Last, provide supporting documentation such as the Cal-JAC Journey Certificate or other relevant certifications. Individuals may reach out and request a copy of any Cal-JAC Journeyperson Certificate and learn more about CPL at caljac.org.

“Credit for Prior Learning honors the apprenticeship commitment by translating real-world expertise into college credit, creating clear pathways toward associate degrees, overall higher education pathways, promotional advancement, and access to educational stipends. When we recognize the knowledge firefighters have already earned, we remove unnecessary barriers and empower them to continue serving their communities with both experience and academic achievement.”

Darren Hall
FIPT Program Chair / Director
San Diego Miramar College Fire Technology

We're incredibly excited about the course credit given for the skills and competencies gained from experience first responders bring to the job. This work creates a streamlined pathway into higher education and ensures community colleges and universities recognize the real-world competencies our first responders already possess. It also provides a model that can expand access for other apprenticeships and industries across California, opening the door to greater career mobility for tens of thousands in our communities.”

Terence Nelson
Executive Director
Pathways and Partnerships