The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded $50 million in Apprenticeship Building America grant funding to registered apprenticeship hubs. Nine organizations in Michigan, California, New Hampshire, Illinois, Washington, Pennsylvania, and Ohio will receive the grants.
The development follows the Department of Labors' earlier announcement this past spring outlining the available funds through the Apprenticeship Building America program. The department also gave $121 million in funding to 30 organizations in July. The combined $171 million in funding to 39 recipients will help the grantees incorporate principles including job quality, equity, evidence-based approaches, sustainability, and chances for engagement, innovation, and easier access.
"Our overarching goal is to reframe how Apprenticeship is viewed, understood, and utilized. Historically, Apprenticeship has been synonymous with the trade industries. However, Apprenticeship Programs are growing in all industries and occupations including cybersecurity, early childhood education, and hospitality. By expanding apprenticeship programs and knowledge of opportunities, we will ensure that apprenticeships continue to be a sustainable pathway for businesses and career seekers."
Rebecca Ambrose, Director of Training and Apprenticeship at Philadelphia Works
Recipients of the most recent funding each received at least $4.7 million. South Bay Workforce Investment Board Inc. in Hawthorne, California, and Community College System of New Hampshire in Concord each received the most at $5.82 million. Apprenticeship Building America assists employers with developing, designing, and delivering programs in growing occupations and industries with an earn-as-you-learn model.
The Department also awarded Philadelphia Works $4.7 million to expand Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-apprenticeships across Southeastern Pennsylvania. The Apprenticeship Building America grant will work to support new partnerships with community colleges, workforce boards, businesses, industry associations, community-based organizations, and employer groups to increase access to registered apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand industries like healthcare, education, IT, and manufacturing.
As of now, the department has awarded $171 million to fund 39 grantees, including more than $78 million focused on equity and inclusion partnerships as well as pre-apprenticeship activities. Apprenticeship Building America grant recipients will incorporate cross-cutting principles to ensure access to quality Registered Apprenticeship Programs.
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