MN Employers: There’s Still Time to Apply for Apprenticeship Grant Program

Deadline is 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26; Application form is short and webinars can help

There's still time for Minnesota employers to apply for a grant that may pay $5,000 for each new registered apprentice. Be aware that the application form is short and recorded webinars can help answer questions.

Applications are due by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 26, 2016 for the Minnesota Apprenticeship Initiative (MAI).

These grants are designed to help Minnesota employers create or expand registered apprenticeship programs in five industries: advanced manufacturing, agriculture, health care, information technology and transportation.

Recordings of two recent one-hour webinars are available on the grant application page. The Sept. 21 webinar provides an overview of the MAI grant and registered apprenticeships. The Oct. 20 webinar explains how employers can complete their applications.

The apprenticeship initiative, announced in fall 2015, is funded through a $5 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

Employers may receive $5,000 for each MAI-registered apprentice to help offset costs related to program development, instruction, and apprentice supplies and materials. Apprentices are given structured, on-the-job training and related instruction.

Currently, 21 Minnesota businesses are working toward registered apprenticeship programs and two companies – Owens Corning in Minneapolis and Viracon in Owatonna – have launched programs.

This initiative is being jointly administered by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) and the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry (DLI).

To find out more about the MAI and see a list of participating companies, visit www.dli.mn.gov/aai.asp.

For questions, contact Carrie Fink, MAI project manager, carrie.fink@state.mn.us, 651-259-7252. Individuals with a disability who need information in an alternate format should also contact Carrie.