skip to content
Primary navigation

Governor's Blog

ApprenticeshipUSA Initiative Investments to Expand Opportunity in MN

11/2/2016 10:52:10 AM

Lt. Governor Smith visits Northland Piping in Mora, Minnesota. Apprenticeship programs would connect more Minnesotans to opportunities in construction and manufacturing.
Lt. Governor Smith visits Northland Piping in Mora, MN. A new federal grant secured by the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry would connect more Minnesotans to opportunities in careers like construction and advanced manufacturing.  
 
The Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry has secured a $1.5 million federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to support the Minnesota Apprenticeship Expansion Initiative (APEX).  This comes as part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s ApprenticeshipUSA program, which helps states to expand and diversify apprenticeship opportunities. 
 
Apprenticeship programs are critical to connecting Minnesotans with opportunity and great career choices. They provide training and experience in in-demand fields like construction and advanced manufacturing, which helps to close the state’s growing skills gaps. Research shows that more than 87 percent of apprentices retain their jobs after completing their programs, with an average starting wage above $50,000 per year. Studies also show that every dollar spent by employers on apprenticeships yields a $1.47 return on investment. 
 
The APEX initiative aims to increase female, youth, and minority participation in registered apprenticeships across Minnesota and to support career readiness. The initiative will also engage employers in recruiting and retention strategies.  
 
The MN Department of Labor and Industry is partnering with The Minnesota and North Dakota Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers Journeyman, Apprentice Construction Careers Foundation, North Central States Regional Council of Carpenters Training Center and the Cement Masons, and Plasterers and Shophands JATC, Local 633 of Minnesota, North Dakota and Northwestern Wisconsin. The Initiative will register at least 566 apprentices and engage 134 new businesses. 
 
Click here to learn about apprenticeship opportunities in Minnesota. Click here to read the ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant Summaries. 
Back to List
back to top