US Labor Department announces $10.4M in grants to expand, expedite apprenticeships in 51 states and territories, and District of Columbia

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor today announced the award of $10.4 million in ApprenticeshipUSA State Accelerator Grants to expand and expedite registered apprenticeship programs nationwide.

The grants – awarded to 51 states and territories, and the District of Columbia – are part of $90 million in funding announced in April to expand apprenticeship in the U.S. The recipients announced today will each receive $200,000 to help integrate apprenticeship into their education and workforce systems; engage industry and other partners to expand apprenticeship to new sectors and new populations at scale; conduct outreach and work with employers to start new programs; promote greater inclusion and diversity in apprenticeship, and implement state incentives and system reforms.

"There is a bright future for apprenticeship in America," said U.S. Secretary of Labor Thomas E. Perez in announcing the grants during a visit to Milwaukee Area Technical College today. "The investments that we're making today and in the weeks and months to come are about giving apprenticeship the greater stature it deserves, helping more employers get the talent they need and helping more workers punch their ticket to the middle class."

These grants are part of ApprenticeshipUSA, the department's coordinated effort with industry and education leaders, nonprofits, and local governments to highlight the benefits of apprenticeship and expand the use of this time-tested, earn-while-you-learn model.

In the coming weeks, the department will announce the availability of an additional $50 million in State Expansion Grants for those looking to expand their capacity to collaborate with employers and start new apprenticeship programs across diverse industries and communities.

These investments are part of a historic bipartisan Congressional effort to appropriate funds specifically for apprenticeship for the first time, and align with President Obama's bold challenge to double and diversify the number of apprenticeships by 2019.

Apprenticeships are a proven path to high quality, secure middle-class jobs. In fact, 87 percent of apprentices are employed after completing their programs, with an average starting wage above $50,000 per year. The return on investment for employers is substantial, as studies indicate that for every dollar spent on apprenticeship, employers receive average of $1.47 return in increased productivity, reduced waste and greater front-line innovation.

For more information on the department's efforts to expand apprenticeship, visit www.dol.gov/apprenticeship/.

A list of grant recipients follows.