$1.3M Available To Help Women Pursue Careers In Advanced Manufacturing, Other Industries

The U.S. Department of Labor announced nearly $1.3 million is available to help more women access quality apprenticeship programs and pursue careers in advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, information technology, and transportation, among other industries.

WASHINGTON, DC β€” The U.S. Department of Labor announced nearly $1.3 million is available to help more women access quality apprenticeship programs and pursue careers in advanced manufacturing, energy, healthcare, information technology, and transportation, among other industries.

β€œWomen are nearly half of the American workforce, yet make up a fraction of professionals in STEM careers,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. β€œThis administration is committed to increasing women’s participation in STEM by expanding the number of quality apprenticeships across the U.S., including those in high-growth, emerging sectors where apprenticeships have historically been rare.”

The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grant program will award $1.294 million to applicants in nontraditional occupations where women represent 25 percent or less of all employees. Grants will be awarded to up to four community-based organizations. Applicants must provide one or more of the following types of technical assistance:

  • Developing pre-apprenticeship or nontraditional skills training programs;
  • Providing ongoing orientations for employers, unions and workers on creating a successful environment for women to succeed in these careers; and
  • Setting up support groups and facilitating networks for women to improve their retention.
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