Joyce applauds $9M federal grant to ramp up Ohio’s apprenticeship program

U.S. Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) on July 1 touted a $9 million U.S. Labor Department grant awarded to the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services (ODJFS).

The ODJFS will use the federal “Building State Capacity to Expand Apprenticeship through Innovation” grant funds to improve and expand its Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP).

“Apprenticeships offer invaluable opportunities for students who want to combine relevant classroom education with on-the-job training, all while getting paid,” said Rep. Joyce. “I have long fought for innovative learning opportunities like apprenticeships and applaud the Department of Labor for recognizing and supporting Ohio’s work through the Registered Apprenticeship Program.”

Specifically, the $9 million grant will support Ohio’s statewide RAP expansion through more registered apprenticeships in healthcare, mental health care, addiction treatment, or alternative pain management occupations, according to information provided by Rep. Joyce’s office.

Additionally, grant monies will help incorporate specific strategies to support or expand registered apprenticeship opportunities among all workers; develop innovative technical assistance strategies/approaches for registered apprenticeship sponsors; establish an employer incentive plan to expand or scale registered apprenticeships; and launch or expand sector strategies to expand RAP to new industries and/or new or non-traditional occupations in existing sectors, according to the information.

“We must continue our efforts to build effective community partnerships and encourage stronger engagement with employers so that Ohio’s students can gain the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to compete for high-wage, in-demand jobs and enter the workforce poised for success,” said Rep. Joyce last week.

Ohio has more than 1,100 registered apprenticeship programs in numerous fields, including aerospace, construction, energy, healthcare, manufacturing, and utilities.