Officials say a $6.1 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor is expected to change the way Georgia Technical Colleges support the expansion of apprenticeships across the state. The grant, announced this week, is part of nearly $84 million awarded to states to increase the capacity of Registered Apprenticeship programs.
“This federal investment will transform how we connect Georgia workers with the high-demand apprentice-able career paths,” said Brandon Ona, Executive Director of Business Engagement for TCSG’s Office of Workforce Development. “Most apprenticeships supported through this funding will be offered through a partnership between local workforce development boards, technical colleges, and employers.”
For the past several years, Gov. Brian Kemp and members of the Georgia General Assembly have been advocating to strengthen the state’s apprenticeship program with initiatives like the High Demand Apprenticeship Program (HDAP), Public Service Apprenticeship Program (PSAP), and the Top State for Talent initiative. Officials said this funding will expand those efforts by allowing TCSG to create The Top State for Talent Apprenticeship Incentive Fund to offset the costs employers incur when hiring and training registered apprentices in high-demand occupations. This will allow those employers to ‘skill up’ workers who are unemployed and underemployed and build the state’s workforce pool.
“This investment to expand apprenticeships means more Georgians can build their futures here and more Georgia businesses can find -and retain- the skilled workers they need,” said Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development Karen Kirchler. “Apprenticeships mean partnerships. To build a workforce that can compete globally, we need to work together.”
Through a competitive award process, employers will be able to apply to receive $2,000 per apprentice to offset the costs associated with setting up and maintaining a Registered Apprenticeship program connected to the state’s High Demand Career List. Additionally, employers can partner with Local Workforce Development Boards and technical colleges to tap into funds to cover up to $5,000 in training costs for apprentices.
“In Georgia, we’re not just focused on getting people back to work, we’re focused on getting them on a career path to a good-paying, quality job, starting on day one. Investing in Registered Apprenticeships can do just that,” Ona said.
The Technical College System of Georgia and its 22 colleges serve as the state’s largest network of Registered Apprenticeship sponsors.
