Over the last three years, the California Tribal Unilateral Apprenticeship Program (CTUAP) has developed two apprenticeships - Environmental Science & Protection Technician (ESPT) and Cultural and Conservation Technician (CCT). These two apprenticeships would focus on FEMA, OSHA and other safety certification training courses related to natural disaster (wildfire fire & other) response and recovery, general forestry training including, but not limited to, FIRE 32/RED CARD and cultural awareness with the addition of cultural monitoring (Tribe specific and Tribe approved for Tribal member students) certification with additional classes in Archeology, American Indian Studies, and Indian Law – NAGPRA, PL 280 etc. The program would prepare students for work in waste management, forestry, natural resource management, emergency & environmental response and recovery industries and a wide variety of employer options. While this program was designed with Native Americans in mind, it is not exclusive to only that ethnicity. Anyone of any ethnicity is eligible to apply.

In addition, the program would be a postsecondary pathway by including college credit bearing classes & field work that would allow students to advance to obtain their Associates Degree and above. Additional Apprenticeship Programs are being developed under the CTUAP, which includes a pre- apprenticeship program to prepare those who need work on soft skills prior to applying for the full apprenticeship. The State Center Community College District (SCCCD) in Fresno County has signed on as our local education agency (LEA) and has a representative on our Executive Committee which drives our program.

Currently, the Executive Committee is made up of a collaboration: Federally and non-Federally recognized Tribes, 501c3 organization, private businesses, and an educational institution. We are in the process of addition more Tribes, businesses, and Government agencies. Our program is also set up to be Post 9-11 GI Bill eligible for veterans, has zero cost to the apprentice to join, zero upfront cost to the employers, provides all PPE to the apprentices and training. Continued training to keep certifications is included in the program