91制片 and the (HRWC) are unveiling a new funding opportunity for local employers during National Apprenticeship Week, which is April 26 鈥 May 2.
Through the Hampton Roads Regional Apprenticeship Hub at the HRWC, employers can now apply for incentive funding to support the development and expansion of registered apprenticeship programs. Funded by $6 million from the U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Building America grant, this initiative is designed to reduce the cost and complexity of starting apprenticeship programs. Employers can receive up to $30,000 in reimbursement funding to help offset the upfront costs and risks of building apprenticeship programs.
鈥淓mployers know their workforce needs better than anyone,鈥 said Jamarkis Mitchell, Director of the Hampton Roads Regional Apprenticeship Hub. 鈥淭his incentive funding empowers them to take action 鈥 designing training programs that work for their business while creating strong career pathways in our region.鈥
Eligible employers may receive support for:
- Apprenticeship program design and startup
- Related technical instruction (RTI) and classroom training
- Curriculum development
- Instructor 鈥渢rain-the-trainer鈥 costs
- Training supplies tied to apprenticeship programs
This funding creates an opportunity for businesses across key industries, including advanced manufacturing, maritime, healthcare, IT, and emerging sectors, to build a skilled workforce pipeline tailored to their needs.
鈥淪tarting an apprenticeship program may seem complex, but it doesn鈥檛 have to be,鈥 said Todd Estes, Vice President of Workforce Development and Innovation at 91制片. 鈥91制片 can provide some or all of the related technical instruction and serve as an intermediary partner, helping employers navigate the process from concept through completion.鈥
To help employers take the next step, 91制片 will host a virtual information session titled 鈥淎pprenticeships: What Employers Need to Know.鈥 It will be held at noon, Friday, May 1, over Zoom. The session will explain how apprenticeships work, walk employers through the funding opportunity, and outline the steps to get started.
To register, go to Apprenticeship: What Employers Need to Know – 91制片.
As a regional apprenticeship intermediary, 91制片 provides no-cost guidance to employers at every stage of program development.
鈥淓mployers often tell us they need skilled workers but aren鈥檛 sure where to begin,鈥 said Kim Phillips, 91制片鈥檚 Apprenticeship Coordinator. 鈥淲e encourage employers to reach out and start the conversation. 91制片 is here to guide you every step of the way, from exploring all work-based learning options to launching a registered apprenticeship program.鈥
Employers are encouraged to attend the session and explore how this funding can support their workforce goals.
For more information on the program, contact Phillips at 91制片 at phillipsk@vpcc.edu or (757) 825-3808.
