Apprenticeship grants available to help employers develop highly skilled workforce

Minnesota employers can apply for a grant beginning May 10 to help them develop a registered apprenticeship program to recruit, train and retain their 21st century highly skilled workforce.

Approved applicants receive funds to offset their costs related to program development, instruction and supplies. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 for each registered apprentice.

The Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative (MAI) targets employers in these five high-growth industries:

• advanced manufacturing;

• agriculture;

• health care;

• information technology; and

• transportation.

"Registered apprenticeship has long been recognized as the gold standard in employment-based career development," said Ken Peterson, commissioner of the Department of Labor and Industry (DLI). "Building upon that success in the construction industry, this model can assist other industries striving to build a diverse and inclusive workforce to address the challenges of workers skills gaps, growing retirements and talent retention.

"Apprenticeships are a win-win opportunity for both employers and employees," said Shawntera Hardy, commissioner of the Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). "As we look to fill a historic number of open jobs in this state, DEED is excited to partner with DLI in this effort, which will ultimately provide Minnesota employers looking to attract skilled workers another tool in their toolbox."

How to apply

Employers interested in this opportunity are encouraged to visit the Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative page on the DLI website to review requirements and submit their grant application by June 14.

Webinars

Free webinar sessions about the MAI grant opportunity are May 15 and June 7. No pre-registration is required.

About the Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative

The grants are part of the Minnesota Apprenticeship's five-year project to expand registered apprenticeship in Minnesota and increase apprenticeship registration by 1,000 in 30 high-growth occupations and industries.

Currently in its second year, the initiative has helped Minnesota companies, such as Fairview Health Services, Owens Corning, Potlatch and Viracon, to establish innovative registered apprenticeship programs to build their future workforces.

This initiative is funded through a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and is jointly administered by DEED and DLI.