Governor Mike Parson recently announced $1.3 million from the U.S. Department of Labor’s State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant will be used to help Missouri build on its already robust infrastructure of apprenticeship programs and opportunities across the state.
Missouri currently has nearly 500 registered apprenticeship programs and almost 15,000 active apprentices throughout the state.
Funds from this grant will be used to implement an apprenticeship tracking system, giving apprentices, employers and training providers the necessary tools to track training and completed competencies. It will also be used to fund additional staff to support the expansion and implementation of additional apprenticeships in Missouri.
“These funds will ensure Missouri has the infrastructure in place to help businesses strengthen their workforce and grow our apprenticeship program,” said Governor Parson. “This investment will allow Missourians to track their progress while earning a paycheck and learning a high-demand skill.”
Governor Parson made workforce development a priority in his 2019 State of the State Address, recognizing that apprenticeships are an important tool for building a skilled workforce and meeting the ever-changing talent needs of businesses in Missouri.
“Expanding apprenticeships is a valuable workforce development strategy and these funds will help more people immediately connect to a career path,” said Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education.
For more information about registered apprenticeship programs in Missouri, visit https://jobs.mo.gov/content/moapprenticeships.