ST. PAUL, MN - Minnesota today received a new federal apprenticeship grant of $5 million that will bring more than 800 individuals into newly registered apprenticeship programs in 29 different high-growth occupations. The federal grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's American Apprenticeship Initiative will help develop the state's workforce in the advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care services, information technology, and transportation industries.

"Apprenticeships help Minnesotans build skills for high-quality, in-demand jobs," said Lt. Governor Tina Smith. "When combined with our investments in E-12 education and college access, these grants are part of our strategy to create an economy that works for everyone in Minnesota."

The grant partners the Department of Economic and Employee Development (DEED) and Department of Labor and Industry (DLI) with employers to support activities including outreach and recruiting, assessments, adult basic education, wrap-around support services and on-the-job and industry recognized credential training.

"On-the-job training is an opportunity for workers to learn new skills and find meaningful career paths," said DEED Commissioner Katie Clark Sieben. "This federal grant will open doors for Minnesotans who are looking for openings in fast-growing industries in coming years."

"The grant provides another means of helping the State of Minnesota and employers build Minnesota's skilled work force for the future," said Ken Peterson, DLI Commissioner.

As of September 2015, Minnesota reached a high mark of almost 11,000 registered apprentices; up from approximately 6,600 in 2011. Minnesota's apprenticeship employers and the state's construction labor unions have increased their focus on outreach and recruiting of women and minorities. These efforts have resulted in the number of apprentices that are women and minorities rising from 17 percent in 2011 to 26 percent in 2015.

DLI is committed to on-going partnerships with schools, unions, employers and community-based organizations to continue to make apprenticeship opportunities available to more Minnesota workers.

About Apprenticeship
Apprenticeship is a time-proven vocational learning method combining on-the-job training with skills and safety instruction provided by schools of higher learning. Apprentices earn industry recognized skill credentials, such as construction industry journey certifications, after completing a program. Apprenticeship has been successful in the United States and around the world in preparing students for hundreds of skilled occupations.