The U.S. Department of Labor has unveiled a funding opportunity of almost $200 million to advance public-private collaborations aimed at expanding, diversifying, and fortifying Registered Apprenticeship programs. This initiative encompasses $95 million in competitive grants through the second phase of the Apprenticeship Building America Grant Program and an additional $100 million in the second round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Grants. Prioritizing sectors crucial to the nation’s growth, such as education, healthcare, clean energy, IT, and supply chain, these grants align with President Biden’s broader agenda.
Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor Julie Su emphasized the Department of Labor’s commitment to providing comprehensive training opportunities for all American workers. The grants are positioned to contribute to the Biden-Harris Administration’s overarching Investing in America agenda, covering legislative initiatives like the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, CHIPS and Science Act, and Inflation Reduction Act.
The Employment and Training Administration within the department will channel these funds to support projects enhancing access to Registered Apprenticeships in high-demand industries. These sectors include information technology/cybersecurity, K-12 teaching, care economy (nursing, early child care, mental health), clean energy, hospitality, public sector, and supply chain (logistics, warehousing, transportation, manufacturing).
The Apprenticeship Building America Grant Program aims to harness the potential of Registered Apprenticeships as a workforce solution while ensuring equitable access for individuals from underrepresented communities. The program will grant 12 to 25 awards, ranging from $1 million to $8 million, across three categories based on geographic scope, emphasizing pathways from pre-apprenticeship to Registered Apprenticeship enrollment, creation of education-aligned programs, and establishment of Registered Apprenticeship hubs.
Applicants are encouraged to integrate strategies aligned with administration priorities for diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility, fostering job availability that supports an inclusive “High Road to the Middle Class” for all workers. Learn more about the second round of Apprenticeship Building America grants and the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants on the Department of Labor’s official website.
Source: DOL
