White House to distribute $90 million for apprenticeships

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Obama administration says it'll distribute $90 million this year to help states expand apprenticeship programs, particularly to minorities and new industries.

Vice President Joe Biden says people who learn skills through an apprenticeship earn more than $50,000 a year on average.

Labor Secretary Thomas Perez says some states are further along than others in building their apprenticeship networks, but every state has a desire to "lift their game."

Congress has approved the $90 million.

The administration says apprenticeships are helping people land jobs in public transit, information technology and manufacturing.