Idaho is one of 37 recipients that will use a $1.4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand registered apprenticeships throughout the state in health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing and energy.

Earlier this year the state received a $200,000 planning grant to develop a strategy.

“Idaho businesses are calling for a pipeline of skilled workers with industry-specific training and hands-on experience,” said Idaho Department of Labor Director Kenneth D. Edmunds. “This grant will allow us to help meet those needs and increase the number of registered apprenticeships throughout the state.”

Edmunds said USDOL expects grant recipients to reform their system and use innovations and incentives to engage industry, employers and workforce development providers, expand apprenticeships to new sectors and increase participation by underserved populations and low-income workers.

In addition to funds the Idaho Department of Labor will use to expand registered apprenticeships to new industries, the Idaho Division of Career & Technical Education will use part of the grant to work with businesses to do job task analyses and create work-based learning and training opportunities.

Four industry partners will receive $100,000 each to partner with industry for key programs specific to their area and include: PTECH, TechHelp, the Idaho Hospital Association and the Idaho Technology Council. Each will be expected to conduct statewide outreach and education within their industry regarding registered apprenticeship as a workforce solution and has committed to creating 25 new apprentices during the grant period.

Find out more about the Registered Apprenticeship program on the Idaho Department of Labor’s website.