Located in:
- Program-specific Requirements for Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth Activities under Title I-B
The Unified or Combined State Plan must include the following with respect to activities carried out under subtitle B--
b. 2. Describe How the State Will Incorporate Registered Apprenticeship into Its Strategy and Services.
Current Narrative:
Through the local planning guidance, the states will require Local Workforce Areas (LWA) to identify and reach out to the Registered Apprenticeship training program sponsors within their local areas. The State will verify with the Office of Apprenticeship the status of Registered Apprenticeship sponsor. Eligible Training Provider System (ETPS) guidance requires that Registered Apprenticeship training programs be contained in the state’s system.
DWD has partnered with the AFL-CIO and United Auto Workers (UAW) to connect Dislocated Workers (DW) with union apprenticeship opportunities. DWD has provided funding to the AFL-CIO and UAW for Labor Liaison services. The Labor Liaison identifies apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship opportunities and works with the local workforce boards and Job Centers in the Kansas City and St. Louis Metro areas to connect DWs to those opportunities. In St. Louis, this project focuses on placing minorities and women in the Building Union Diversity (BUD) Program that provides pre-apprenticeship training in the construction trades.
DWD has utilized ApprenticeshipUSA funds awarded by USDOL to develop strategic partnerships for the purpose of accelerating, expanding, and diversifying Registered Apprenticeship in the state. Working closely with the Office of Apprenticeship, DWD identifies industry and best practices for stimulating economic growth through Registered Apprenticeship. Strategic partners include nine Missouri Community Colleges, Missouri Career and Technical System (DESE/MCTS), Missouri Department of Corrections, Missouri Hawthorn Foundation, and Missouri AFL/CIO. Additionally, 15% funding has been obligated to four Local Workforce Development Boards for the development of Registered Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeships that will further expand access to “earn and learn” opportunities to WIOA Adult, Dislocated Worker, and Youth participants.
DWD has dedicated staff to offer training and technical assistance to the state workforce system staff to increase the visibility and marketing of Registered Apprenticeship to individuals as a comprehensive training solution for individuals and employers. When funds are available, participants may be eligible to receive funding for training through WIOA partners, and employers may be eligible to apply for the Youth Opportunities Program Tax Credit.