Grant Aims to Expand Apprenticeships

Workforce Development is one of several state departments to collaborate on the plan

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development has received a grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The $1.3 million ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant will allow for the expansion of Indiana’s registered apprenticeship programs.

The DWD says the goal of the initiative is to increase diversity within the state’s apprenticeship programs, including ethnicity, gender, socio-economic status and business sector roles. The department will use the funds to encourage its partners to increase opportunities in sectors such as information technology, advanced manufacturing and healthcare, among others.

"Research affirms that apprenticeships and work-and-learn opportunities result in greater exposure to career options, more engaged employees, higher job satisfaction and a beneficial experience for both student and employer," said DWD Commissioner Steven Braun. "The ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant will enable DWD to diversify and enhance the state’s current apprenticeship options in communities throughout Indiana."

Indiana’s funding is part of more than $50 million in ApprenticeshipUSA grants awarded by the DOL throughout the country. It comes in addition to the $200,000 State Accelerator Grant awarded the DWD in June.