The state will increase support for specific apprenticeship programs from $1,000 to $5,000 per apprentice to better meet the workforce needs of Michigan employers.
The Michigan Registered Apprenticeship Pilot (MRAP) program will boost funding for those employers who partner with their local Michigan Works! Agencies to sponsor new apprentices in the U.S. Labor Department's registered apprenticeship programs.
MRAP, launched August 2009 with $1 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (Recovery Act), supports the state's efforts to train workers for employment in occupations that meet current and emerging industry needs. MRAP will help to ensure that Michigan's employers will have access to the skilled workers they will need to survive and grow in an increasingly competitive global economy.
"By investing these Recovery Act dollars in apprenticeships, we're making sure our employers will be able to find Michigan workers trained and ready for jobs in industries where there is a growing demand," said Governor Granholm.
In Michigan, 18 of the 25 fastest-growing occupations are apprenticeable, including medical assistants, computer software engineers, home health aides, and computer systems analysts. Experts say vacancies in apprenticeable occupations will likely increase dramatically in the near future due to the average age and tenure of skilled workers from the "Baby Boomer" generation.
"Apprenticeships are one of the original win-win propositions. Employers get skilled workers who see learning as part of their job from day one, plus lower turnover and higher morale. And the state of Michigan gets the most highly trained workforce around," said Andy Levin, Michigan's Chief Workforce Officer and Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth Acting Director.
Employers may receive a maximum award of $5,000 to off-set costs associated with apprenticeship programs, including wages, job-related equipment or related technical instruction. The Employer Incentive portion of the award has doubled from $1,000 to $2,000, and the remaining $3,000 must be spent specifically for related technical instruction, which must be provided by the employer or a state-approved training entity. MRAP funds will expire June 30, 2011.
For more information about MRAP contact the DELEG Bureau of Workforce Transformation at (517) 241-7337 or the USDOL Office of Apprenticeship at (517) 377-1746.
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