DOL releases $7.5m in ApprenticeshipUSA industry intermediary contracts

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On June 30, Department of Labor (DOL) released two contract solicitations to be awarded to partnerships leading to multi-employer apprenticeship models. The first solicitation is targeting intermediaries in Advanced Manufacturing, Transportation, IT, Energy, Construction, and Health Care. The second is for intermediaries that work across industries or are not sector focused.

DOL anticipates awarding $7.5 million in twelve 1-year contracts with the intention of these helping to stimulate employers to engage in registered apprenticeship to recruit and build their workforce, up to four of which will be awarded under the second solicitation for intermediaries working across sectors or not sector specific. Recipients may also be able to extend the contract for up to four additional years.

Contractors will be required to conduct the following activities:

1. Sector-based Outreach and Recruitment
2. Develop Registered Apprenticeship standards with Employers
3. Support DOL’s Sectors of Excellence in Apprenticeship’s Goals to Expand Apprenticeship
4. Contribute to the Development of Curricula, Related Training Instruction (RTI) outlines, Occupational Outlines and Competency Models as frameworks for their industry
5. Provide Technical Assistance or use funds to Directly Incentivize the Expansion of Apprenticeship

These grants are part of the Department of Labor’s overall ApprenticeshipUSA Initiative. Responses to the solicitation are due July 28, 2016. DOL will host a webinar to provide further information for interested applicants on July 7 from 2:00-2:30 pm EST. 

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