Apprenticeship Building America

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The Apprenticeship Building America grant provides apprenticeship opportunities in the areas of healthcare, public safety, education, manufacturing, information technology, construction, renewable energy, transportation/distribution and logistics. It was awarded to the Department of Workforce Development in July 2022 by the U.S. Department of Labor.

The Department of Workforce Development was one of 39 organizations nationwide, and the only one in Missouri, to be awarded this grant funding. ABA focuses on reaching and engaging traditionally underserved and under-represented populations in a 10-county region in Southern Missouri.

Counties served through this grant include Greene, Barry, Christian, Dade, Dallas, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney and Webster. To date, we have 12 training partners including Jordan Valley Health Center, CoxHealth, Southwest Regional Fire Academy, Springfield Police Department, Air Services, MO-KAN Iron Workers Local 10, Davis Electric, CNH Reman, Positronic, Select Brands, Third Street Sportswear, and Missouri State University Pathways for Paras. Look for more training partners to come!

If your organization would like to start a registered apprenticeship program, contact Haley Jones-Sides at [email protected]

Iron Workers FlyerTo register, email Meagan at [email protected]

If you are interested in finding out more or applying for a Registered Apprenticeship, please complete the application form.

Complete Application Here

Registered Apprenticeship FAQs

Q1. What is a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP)? 
A1. A RAP is a customizable training program registered with the U.S. Department of Labor. It is sponsored by an employer, a group of employers, an intermediary, or a union. It consists of a set of standards for training apprentices to be skilled in an occupation. Apprenticeships exist across all industries. The industries newly associated with apprenticeship programming include healthcare, education, and public safety.

Q2. How does apprenticeship benefit employers?
A2. Employers benefit from these programs by being able to developing a highly skilled “home-grown” workforce, improved profitability with their hiring process, and increased retention of workers during and after apprenticeship completion. 

Q3. What benefits do apprentices receive?
A3. Apprentices have a lot to gain from registered apprenticeship programs. Apprentices typically earn higher wages than regular jobseekers their age, and they can earn college credit for their work experience. Apprenticeship programs are typically free or almost free. Upon completion, each apprentice receives a portable, nationally recognized certificate from the Department of Labor as recognition of skills mastery.

Q4. Who can become an apprentice?
A4. Anyone who is at least 16 years of age and is eligible to work in the United States. Priority of service is always given to veterans.

Q5. What does the Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) grant provide to the community?
A5. The Apprenticeship Building America grant provides no cost training to eligible apprentices living within the 10-county region of Barry, Dade, Dallas, Christian, Greene, Lawrence, Polk, Stone, Taney, and Webster. Employers partnered with ABA benefit from grant funding which is utilized for training, uniforms, and work materials. Apprentices involved with the grant are eligible for supportive services such as transportation and childcare.

For a more complete list of FAQs, click here.