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News Release

U.S. Department of Labor Awards Nearly $1.5 Million For Women in Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Department of Labor today awarded $1,492,095 to support the recruitment, training, and retention of women in skilled occupations.

The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grant program funds community-based organizations that provide employers and labor unions with one or more of the following types of technical assistance:

  • Pre-apprenticeship or nontraditional skills training programs;
  • Ongoing orientations for employers, unions and workers on creating a successful environment for women to succeed in these careers; and
  • Support groups and facilitating networks for women to improve their retention.

“Apprenticeships in the trades offer great opportunities for women to acquire the skills necessary for family-sustaining jobs,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta.

Women are severely underrepresented in apprenticeship programs, and in high-growth, high-wage occupations generally. While women make up nearly half of the U.S. labor force, they comprise less than 10 percent of apprentices.

Apprenticeships offer workers a pathway to the middle class and helps companies recruit, develop, and retain a highly skilled workforce.  In addition to their long history in skilled trades such as construction, apprenticeships are also increasingly found in emerging and high-growth industries like energy, health care, and information technology.

The 2017 grants are administered by the Department’s Women’s Bureau. For information about the program see the Department’s FAQ.

Organization Name

State

Award Amount

Aroostook County Action Program, Inc.

ME

$304,291

West Virginia Women Work, Inc.

WV

$311,404

Full Employment Council, Inc.

MO

$500,000

Career Training Institute

MT

$376,400

Total

 

$1,492,095

Date
September 21, 2017
Release Number
17-1304-NAT
Media Contact: Joe Versen
Phone Number