LWC’s Apprenticeship Division receives more than $1 million in continuation funding from USDOL
The State Apprenticeship Expansion grant will provide additional funding to support, advance labor programs

BATON ROUGE – The U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) has awarded continuation funding to the Louisiana Workforce Commission (LWC)’s Apprenticeship Division, totaling $1.27 million. The State Apprenticeship Expansion grant will support efforts to increase the number of apprentices and programs throughout Louisiana, to improve and develop new curricula, and to further engage in outreach initiatives.

“The Apprenticeship Division is honored to have secured this funding, as it will be essential in our ability to provide technical assistance to the state’s growing number of apprentices and to promote the benefits of apprenticeship to high school students and adults looking to embark on a new career,” said State Apprenticeship Director Joseph Hollins.

Key focuses of the grant will be incentive funds to employers for program creation and funds for existing program upgrade. Another portion will afford seed subsidy to support Nexus LA, a technology nonprofit that will serve as the program sponsor for an information technology (IT) Registered Apprenticeship pilot program.

The new program, designed to emphasize occupations in computer networking, cyber security and software development, is projected to generate at least 30 apprentices within the grant performance period. This venture correlates with the state’s latest efforts to expand employment and training opportunities in the IT field through partnerships with companies such as CGI and DXC Technology.

Previous grants awarded to the Apprenticeship Division have been utilized to provide a range of technical and supportive services for apprentices. Overall, the division has gained 11 new programs and produced 104 apprentices with the help of federal funding.

“We are thrilled to receive this continued support from USDOL through the State Apprenticeship Expansion grant,” said LWC Executive Director Ava Dejoie. “Our agency is committed to promoting apprenticeship as a viable career pathway, while leveraging valuable business partnerships to expand training opportunities across multiple industry sectors.”

The grant will extend the Apprenticeship Division’s performance through October 31, 2020.

About the Louisiana Workforce Commission

The Louisiana Workforce Commission is an agency of state government that administers programs designed to enhance workforce growth and provide family-sustaining jobs for Louisiana residents. The commission monitors employment, administers unemployment compensation and tax funds, provides training resources for employers and employees and oversees worker compensation benefits. The agency also gathers and supplies information on the labor market and occupational sectors in Louisiana.

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