Minnesota employers have until June 14 to apply for a grant to develop a registered apprenticeship program to recruit, train and retain their 21st century workforce.

Approved applicants receive funds to offset costs related to program development, instruction and supplies. Recipients can receive up to $5,000 for each registered apprentice.

The Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative (MAI) targets employers in these five high-growth industries:

• advanced manufacturing
• agriculture
• health care
• information technology
• transportation

These industries were chosen based on employer needs and data showing they will be facing labor shortages in the next 10 years.

How to apply

Visit the Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative page on the Labor and Industry website to review requirements and submit their grant application by Wed., June 14.

Webinars

A free webinar will be provided Wed., June 7 to learn about the MAI grant opportunity. No pre-registration is required. Webinar links are at www.dli.mn.gov.

About the Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative

The grants are part of the Minnesota Apprenticeship’s five-year project to expand registered apprenticeship in Minnesota and increase apprenticeship registrations by 1,000 in 30 high-growth occupations and industries.

Currently in its second year, the initiative has helped Minnesota companies such as Fairview Health Services, Potlatch and Viracon to establish innovative registered apprenticeship programs to build their future workforces.

MAI’s first registered apprenticeship program was introduced in 2016 at Owens Corning in Minneapolis. Owens Corning makes roofing products (shingles and accessories) and insulation. The business has used the program to recruit job candidates and plans to enroll 10 apprentices under the MAI grant.

This initiative is funded through a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and jointly administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.

Contact information

Contact Carrie Fink, MAI project manager, at 651-259-7252 or carrie.fink@state.mn.us with questions about the grant application process or if accommodations are needed to participate in a webinar.