March 12, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — DAS Appoints Orrian Willis: The California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) has announced the appointment of Orrian Willis as a public representative on the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (IACA). Willis will provide public agency perspectives on apprenticeship expansion and workforce development. His term extends through November 2028.
A Leader in Workforce Development
With over 14 years of experience, Willis has been instrumental in shaping apprenticeship programs that address labor shortages and inequity gaps. As a longstanding IACA member, he actively serves on the Public Sector Committee, advocating for innovative, earn-and-learn career pathways.
DIR Director Katie Hagen emphasized the importance of apprenticeships in California’s workforce strategy:
“Apprenticeships are at the core of the state’s career education plans, and IACA plays a central role in guiding these efforts. I am pleased to have Orrian Willis’ insights as DIR carves a path forward with earn-and-learn programs.”
DAS Chief Adele Burnes echoed this sentiment:
“A key part of expanding apprenticeships is creating meaningful teams with real-world experience that can successfully integrate workforce development systems. Willis exemplifies this ideal, and his guidance will help steer apprenticeship programs in a direction that benefits both employers and employees.”
Willis’ Track Record in Apprenticeships
DAS Appoints Orrian Willis: Currently, Willis manages the TechSF Initiative at the City of San Francisco’s Office of Economic and Workforce Development. His leadership has helped prepare young professionals for careers in technology while placing hundreds of underrepresented jobseekers into apprenticeships.
Previously, he served on the U.S. Department of Labor’s Advisory Committee on Apprenticeships, where he played a key role in expanding apprenticeships across industries. As a first-generation college graduate from San Francisco State University, Willis brings firsthand insight into the challenges of career mobility and barriers to employment.
What Is IACA?
The Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (IACA) plays a critical role in developing apprenticeship standards in non-traditional sectors, including:
- Healthcare
- Technology
- Advanced manufacturing
Established in 2018 under the Shelley-Maloney Apprentice Labor Standards Act, IACA oversees registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. The next IACA meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2025.
More information at the California Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) website.
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FAQS: DAS Appoints Orrian Willis
What is the Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (IACA)?
The Interagency Advisory Committee on Apprenticeship (IACA) guides the development of apprenticeship programs across emerging industries in California. With DAS appointing Orrian Willis, the committee strengthens its leadership in workforce innovation.
Why did DAS appoint Orrian Willis to IACA?
DAS appointed Orrian Willis for his extensive background in workforce development and his success with San Francisco’s TechSF Initiative, which connects underrepresented groups to apprenticeship opportunities.
How does Orrian Willis’ appointment impact California’s workforce programs?
The appointment of Orrian Willis will enhance collaboration between public agencies and industries, ensuring apprenticeship programs align with California’s labor market demands and equity goals.
When is the next IACA meeting after Orrian Willis’ appointment?
Following DAS appointing Orrian Willis to the committee, the next IACA meeting is scheduled for April 29, 2025, focusing on apprenticeship expansion in nontraditional sectors.