Iowa Receives $1.8 million Grant to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Opportunities

Today, the United States Department of Labor announced that more than $50 million dollars is being distributed to states to increase access to Registered Apprenticeships. Iowa is one of 36 states to receive grant funding that will result in new registered apprenticeships created in diverse industries, including health care, advanced manufacturing, and information technology. Iowa’s award of $1.8 million is tied for the fifth highest amount in the nation, demonstrating Iowa will remain a national leader in growing registered apprenticeships. The Innovative Opportunities with Apprenticeships (IOWA) project will employ extensive outreach and education efforts to further integrate expanded registered apprenticeships into the current workforce model.

Iowa Workforce Development Director Beth Townsend said the grant will enhance work already being done to double the number of registered apprentices. “The Iowa Apprenticeship Program administered by the Iowa Economic Development Authority and Greer Sisson’s team at the U.S. Department of Labor (Iowa) has put Iowa on the map as a national leader in Registered Apprenticeships. IWD wants to build on previous efforts and deploy these funds using proven strategies to ensure that all Iowans who want to pursue a career through an apprenticeship have that opportunity,” said Director Townsend.

Click here for the complete article.