Who we are

About WestCal Academy®

OUR PURPOSE

WestCal Academy®, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit education entity, guides registered students in pinpointing their career paths. This is achieved through collaboration with industry mentors and academic institutions via the WestCal® Career Pathway Program. Our academic advisory board is comprised of professionals from academia, industry, and labor sectors. The curriculum has evolved over several presidential tenures, starting with President George W. Bush's 'Pathways', through President Barack Obama's 'Pathways To Work', to President Joseph Biden's 'Build Back Better' / 'Pathways To Work' initiatives.


John Paul Tabakian Ed.D.
President and Founder, WestCal Academy®
Apprenticeship Ambassador for the United States Department of Labor

Step 1

AWARENESS

WestCal Academy® assists students on their educational and vocational paths through dynamic presentations and engaging events. Our approach demystifies college and vocational opportunities, guiding students towards informed choices.

Step 2

EDUCATION

WestCal Academy® guides students with our comprehensive pre-apprenticeship and career exploration programs. Illuminating the pathway to skilled trades and specialized careers, we equip students with the knowledge and hands-on experience needed to construct a fulfilling and prosperous future.

Step 3

CAREER

WestCal Academy® stands at the forefront of facilitating seamless transitions from our pre-apprenticeship to full-fledged careers, ensuring each student's journey is meticulously tracked for success. Our programs not only illuminate the path to vocational excellence but also provide a structured bridge, connecting the dots between training, apprenticeship, and the ultimate career destination.

Our Team

WestCal Academy® Administration

J.P. TABAKIAN Ed.D.

PRESIDENT / FOUNDER
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STERLINA CERRITOS

DIRECTOR Of
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
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JOSEPH LOPEZ

VICE-PRESIDENT Of ADMINISTRATION
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MICHAEL WHEELER

VICE-PRESIDENT Of
EVALUATIONS
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What people are saying!

"The WestCal Academy® model serves an important lesson in economic justice."

The Honorable Ron Bonta, California State Attorney General

"I’m a big believer in career technical education. This is a wonderful program that is really reaching out to a lot of our students that offers real hands-on learning experiences."

Delaine Easton 25th California Superintendent of Public Instruction

"I want to make sure we are setting up young people for success. WestCal Academy® students get hands-on experience in different careers and get connected with industry mentors."

The Honorable Janice Hahn Los Angeles County Supervisor (4th District)

"We’ve had an excellent experience working with WestCal Academy®. Facilitating the intern experience is an important service that will boost the success of our students and our region."

Jane Close Conoley Ph.D, President, California State University, Long Beach

"I support WestCal Academy® programming that helps youth to discover their career pathway, and notably, guiding them into California registered apprenticeship programs."

The Honorable Mike A. Gipson California Assemblymember (AD-65th)

"WestCal Academy® instructors are passionate about apprenticeships. It is with great pleasure for the Build California team to work and partner with WestCal Academy®."

Lyn Sam Youth Outreach Coordinator, Association of General Contractors – Build California

"We appreciate the experiences WestCal Academy® has given our students and we look forward to the next stages of opportunities for them."

Matthew Brown Vice-Principal, Milikan High School, Long Beach Unified School District

"I look forward to supporting WestCal Academy® efforts to improve the community we live in by working to alleviate homelessness, help at-risk children, and create good, 21st Century Jobs."

Josh Lowenthal California Assemblymember (AD-69th)