California will allocate $48.5 million to 18 projects that are expected to support the creation of about 20,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The investment will reach eight economic regions and 33 counties through the California Jobs First initiative, according to an announcement by Governor Gavin Newsom.

Advanced manufacturing will receive $17.75 million, the largest allocation, for projects in San Joaquin and the Capital Region.

Another $9.74 million will support quantum computing in Southern California, while $8.24 million will strengthen shipbuilding in the Bay Area.

Kern will receive $6.85 million for space, defense and satellite projects, while another $3.95 million will fund aerospace and defense infrastructure and innovation.

That could make workers in manufacturing, engineering, shipbuilding, technology and aerospace potential beneficiaries, along with people who need training to enter those industries.

Honored to be in Solano County to announce $48.5 million in funding through @CAJobsFirst to support:

– 20,000 new jobs. – 18 projects. – 7 economic regions. – 33 counties

California is prioritizing and supporting our key sectors shaping the future. pic.twitter.com/7KWhcxpPb0

— Governor Gavin Newsom (@CAgovernor) August 26, 2026

The money will not be used only to hire workers. It will also fund training, research, infrastructure and programs designed to attract and expand businesses.

On the Central Coast, another initiative connected students with training and paid experience in aerospace, engineering and advanced manufacturing.

California Jobs First Investment: Which Workers Could Benefit? – PHOTO: Shutterstock California Seeks to Turn Public Investment Into Hiring. The new round continues a strategy that already allocated $80 million to 11 projects in 2025, with more than 23,000 jobs projected.

For job seekers, the key will be tracking hiring opportunities and training programs that begin emerging in the regions receiving California Jobs First funding.

The real impact will depend on how many projects successfully turn the $48.5 million into growing businesses, trained workers and new jobs.

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