Grants corner
Recognized Apprenticeship Preparation Program Grant
Does your organization offer apprenticeship preparation training?
Minnesota community-based organizations, workforce development agencies, non-profits and registered apprenticeship programs that demonstrate capacity, experience and relationships with administering an apprenticeship preparation program are eligible to recognize their program with the state.
Eligible programs who apply may receive up to $10,000 in grant funding, in addition to the state recognition of their program.
|
From high school to hands-on teaching
A new registered apprenticeship program in Willmar, Minnesota, is helping prospective teachers step directly into the classroom while working toward a teaching license.
For apprentice Abby Van Der Bill, that mix of real-world experience and support has helped her discover a future as an educator. Read her story here.
|
How registered apprenticeship programs are showing commitment to apprentice success
The Finishing Trades Institute of the Upper Midwest (FTIUM) Care Team is a first-of-its kind program that connects eligible union members, FTIUM students and staff with essential, life-saving mental health support services. As an Employee Assistance Program (EAP), it promotes mental health awareness, reduces stigma and encourages craftworkers to seek help during challenging times.
Eligible members and their families receive free, short-term counseling – available in person or via telehealth – to address issues such as:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Substance use
- Workplace challenges
- Grief
- Relationship and family concerns
- Legal and financial challenges
- Patient advocacy for referrals and care coordination
Its compassionate, human-centered approach has transformed members’ lives by supporting the whole person, not just the worker. The program improves well-being, strengthens families and empowers individuals to navigate challenges with dignity, compassion and confidence.
Watch the video to learn more about the FTIUM Care Team and its life-changing impacts on workers.
|
National Apprenticeship Week events
We are excited to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week – April 26 to May 2, 2026. Below are some of the events we hope you can attend:
Trades Games Challenge
RSVP for the Women Building Success Trades Games Challenge on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4 to 6:30 p.m., at the Pipefitters 455 Apprenticeship Training Center, 1301 L’Orient Street, St. Paul, MN.
Work-based-learning webinar: Helping students understand registered apprenticeship
This webinar from the Minnesota Department of Education, on Thursday, April 30, from 3 to 4 p.m., is designed for Minnesota work-based learning coordinators, but open to all educators. Hear from Apprenticeship Minnesota and a panel of current educators who have successfully partnered with apprenticeship programs and helped students navigate the apprenticeship search proccess. Register for the webinar.
Newly developed programs
- Minnesota Teacher Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee – K-12 teacher
- Marshall Manufacturing Co. – CNC operator
- Dignified Choice Care – Caregiver
- Nordic Group, Inc. – Carpenter, construction craft laborer, universal equipment operator
- Central Minnesota Jobs and Training Services, Inc. – Workforce development specialist
- Welia Health – Surgical technologist
|
Apprenticeship by the numbers
Total apprentices, as of April 8, 2026
- Total: 11,644
- Women: 991 (9%)
- People of color: 3,040 (26 %)
- Veterans: 589 (5%)
- Disability: 241 (2%)
Apprentices by participation age
- 18-24 years old: 5,956 (51%)
- 25-35 years old: 3,674 (31%)
- 35 years and older: 2051 (18%)
New apprentices by month
- January: 128
- February: 278
- March: 495
|
Questions?
Contact us at 651-284-5090 or dli.apprenticeship@state.mn.us.
|
