A nearly $4 million grant will help expand apprenticeship programs around Indiana.
The Indiana Department of Workforce Development was awarded a $3,907,725 grant through the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Building America program. The money will expand registered apprenticeship programs across the state.
“Data show apprenticeships and work-based learning opportunities lead to more career options, more engaged and happier employees, and provide benefits to both the student and the employer,” said Josh Richardson, DWD interim commissioner. “This grant funding will enable DWD to diversify and enhance Indiana’s current apprenticeship options in Hoosier communities.”
DWD was awarded funding for state apprenticeship system building and modernization. The department will partner with regional WorkOne locations to incentivize and expand apprenticeships, including State Earn and Learn programs.
The Apprenticeship Building America grant program is designed to expand and modernize registered apprenticeships by increasing the number of programs and apprentices, diversifying the industries that use registered apprenticeships and improving the access.
Indiana DWD was one of 30 grant recipients. Ivy Tech Community College received $4,736,976 in ABA funding. As a registered apprenticeship hub, Ivy Tech will facilitate the establishment, scaling and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in new and fast-growing industries and occupations.