August 21, 2025 — Sacramento, CA

We are thrilled to announce a landmark achievement for Bargaining Unit 15 and the entire state service community: the first graduating class of the Custodian to Office Joint Apprenticeship Program!

What began as a bold idea scribbled on a napkin four years ago has blossomed into a transformative reality. After careful review of over 60 applications, 17 dedicated individuals were selected to embark on a journey that demanded perseverance, sacrifice, and an unwavering commitment to growth. These apprentices balanced full-time work with rigorous coursework, skill-building, and hands-on training — all while continuing to serve the state with pride.

Today, we celebrate these 17 trailblazers who have earned their diplomas and stepped into new career paths equipped with fresh skills, renewed confidence, and a powerful sense of purpose. Their success is a testament to what’s possible when vision meets action, and when workers are given the opportunity to grow within the public service system.

Unit 15 could not be prouder. This program is more than a professional development initiative — it’s a movement. It’s about recognizing talent, investing in people, and creating pathways for advancement that honor the hard work of our custodial staff.

To our graduates: your journey inspires us all. You’ve paved the way for future cohorts and shown that dreams — even those born on napkins — can lead to diplomas, careers, and lasting change.

Congratulations, Class of 2025!