LANSING, Mich. — The Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) encouraging organizations that can provide underrepresented Michiganders with access to life-changing career opportunities through the Registered Apprenticeship Program training model to apply for funding from the $5.5 million State Apprenticeship Expansion 2023 grant program.
The grant program will promote diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility by providing funding to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in non-traditional sectors and occupations. It will also promote apprenticeship readiness. The focus of the funding will be to engage those most severely impacted by COVID-19, including women, people of color, individuals with disabilities, English language learners and individuals without a High School Equivalency credential.
“Registered Apprenticeship is an important tool in helping prepare Michiganders to enter in-demand, high-wage careers,” said Stephanie Beckhorn, Director of LEO’s Office of Employment and Training. “The State Apprenticeship Expansion grant program expands non-traditional Registered Apprenticeships and pathways into Registered Apprenticeships, and expands these opportunities to even more Michiganders.”
Successful respondents to this RFP will establish or expand existing U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs and related apprenticeship readiness solutions, including pre-apprenticeship programs, to ensure grant performance targets are achieved.
Priority industries and occupations include:
- Care Economy (childcare, home care, etc.)
- Climate and Clean Energy
- Educational Services (K-12 teachers)
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
- Outdoor Recreation
- Public Sector
- Supply Chain (logistics, warehouse, transportation and manufacturing, including but not limited to the manufacturing of semi-conductors and biomanufacturing)
- Technology/Cybersecurity
- Transportation (electric vehicle/advanced manufacturing)
Eligible applicants for this grant opportunity include chambers of commerce, economic development organizations, business/industry/employer associations (representing multiple employers), labor organizations, local units of government and nonprofit organizations.
The total funding available for this initiative is $5,474,500. LEO anticipates awarding 5-10 grants ranging from $500,000 to $1 million.
Proposals will be accepted beginning Friday, Dec. 8, 2023. The application deadline is Wednesday, Feb. 7, 2024, at 11:59 p.m. EST. Awards will be announced Wednesday, March 13, 2024.
A recorded pre-bid informational webinar will be available for viewing beginning Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2024, at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.
More information about the State Apprenticeship Expansion 2023 Request for Proposals opportunity is available at Michigan.gov/Apprenticeship.
Registered Apprenticeships results in a national, industry-recognized credential upon completion, supporting Governor Whitmer’s Sixty by 30 goal to increase the number of working-age adults in the state with a skill certificate or college degree to 60% by the year 2030. Learn more at SixtyBy30.org.
For questions regarding this RFP opportunity, contact LEO-Apprenticeship@michigan.gov.
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