$200,000 in Apprenticeship Grants Available to Innovative Workforce Programs
February 4, 2016
The State Workforce Development Board (SWDB) is making available $200,000 for innovative apprenticeship grant initiatives.
This initiative aims to increase training and employment opportunities for priority populations such as individuals with disabilities, ex-offenders, youth and others. Applicants are required to partner with a community-based organization, a local workforce development board and a business, as well as serve one or more of the priority populations, as outlined in the grant RFP.
Across industries, apprenticeships have proved to be effective because they benefit both the business community and the workforce.
“The board has placed an emphasis on the development of apprenticeship opportunities. It produces highly skilled employees, increases productivity and improves retention, while offering workers the opportunity to earn higher wages, national credentials and career advancement,” said Mikee Johnson, SWDB chairman and president of Cox Industries. “All of this makes South Carolina an exceptional place to do business.”
“It is exciting to see how apprenticeship opportunities have developed and evolved in South Carolina to meet industry’s workforce need,” said Cheryl Stanton, executive director of the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce and SWDB member. “By thinking beyond traditional apprenticeships, the SWDB is encouraging smart ways to bridge the gap between education and employment and helping industries attract people that can benefit from the combination of classroom and on-the-job experiences.”
Proposals will be accepted until 5 p.m., Feb. 29, and grant recipients will be notified by March 18.
For more information or to receive a copy of the Apprenticeship Grant RFP visit www.dew.sc.gov, click on the Employers tab and then click Apprenticeship Grant RFP under the Business Services Header.
About the South Carolina Workforce Development Board
The South Carolina Workforce Development Board provides direction to create a competitive talent pipeline for South Carolina by ensuring that a quality and effective workforce system exists. Appointed by the Governor, the board is comprised of business leaders, legislators of the South Carolina Senate and House, local elected officials, workforce partners and representatives of community-based organizations. Through cooperation and collaboration, South Carolina benefits from the vision and direction of the board as they seek to promote resources and services that leverage effective workforce development.
About SCDEW
The South Carolina Department of Employment and Workforce is putting South Carolinians to work. The agency invests in building a pipeline of quality workers, matches workers with jobs, and is a bridge for individuals who find themselves out of work for no fault of their own. This promotes financial stability and economic prosperity for employers, individuals and communities. SCDEW is dedicated to advancing South Carolina through services that meet the needs of the state’s businesses, jobseekers and those looking to advance their careers.
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