CA AB291

Establishes the Credentialed Educator Apprenticeships Act, requiring the Commission on Teacher Credentialing and the Division of Apprenticeship Standards to partner in approving and monitoring credentialed educator apprenticeship programs in California

Requires apprenticeship programs to include at least 300 hours of paid on-the-job training before educator apprentices can serve as educators of record, plus at least 200 hours of support, mentoring, and supervision per school year

Authorizes the Commission to issue apprenticeship certificates or permits to educator candidates employed by local educational agencies who are participating in approved programs and have completed criminal background checks

Requires apprenticeship programs to partner with commission-accredited educator preparation programs and mandates apprentices earn a baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited institution before serving as educators of record

Permits joint or unilateral apprenticeship committee administration, with joint sponsorship required where collective bargaining agreements exist, and allows apprentices to hold separate classified employee positions outside their apprenticeship hours