Apprenticeships have been around for centuries as a way to teach skills and trades to the next generation. And today’s apprenticeships offer more opportunities across a broad range of industries. Simply put, they work. Businesses get highly trained talent while experiencing increased productivity. Individuals get to earn while they learn.
Since the 1930s, the registered apprenticeship system has been a stable, predictable pipeline for the development of qualified workers. It combines job-related technical instruction with structured on-the-job learning. Upon completion of a registered apprenticeship program, workers receive an industry-issued, nationally recognized and portable credential.
Benefits for employers:
- Attract workforce talent by offering a nationally recognized credential after completion of an apprenticeship
- Build a motivated, highly skilled workforce through customized training and workplace experience
- Get help customizing your apprenticeship program to precisely fit your organization’s needs
- Create high levels of commitment and satisfaction among apprenticeship participants that can result in greater employee retention
Benefits for apprentices:
- Earn a good salary while learning
- Receive classroom training to learn essential workplace skills
- Achieve hands-on skill mastery
- Get nationally recognized credentials
- Improve one’s job security and value in the workplace
Filling critical vacancies
Employers have found that developing talent through registered apprenticeships results in a more dedicated, flexible and highly skilled workforce poised to rise into leadership positions and make employers more competitive, according to a U.S. Department of Commerce study. In addition, employers with registered apprenticeships were able to broaden their pool of talent and fill critical vacancies.
In Minnesota, employers seeking to start a registered apprenticeship program, or expand an existing program can apply for the New and Expanded Registered Apprenticeship Program Grant.
The program seeks to aid employers with the development of new registered apprenticeship programs (RAP) or to expand existing RAP(s) in apprenticeable occupations, with priority given to programs in these targeted industries: education, semiconductors, information technology, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, the public sector, and construction. Incentive funding will assist with the costs of starting or expanding a RAP and may be used to cover the costs of employer staff time to operationalize program logistics, develop and instruct related instruction, or recruit apprentices.
Grant funds may also be used to purchase tools and supplies or pay for tuition for related instruction. This grant program is 100% funded by a State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) – Competitive grant from the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration.
