Department of Labor and Industry announces Labor Education Advancement Program grant recipients

Six organizations across Minnesota will receive funding to facilitate the participation and retention of people of color, Indigenous people and women in registered apprenticeship through the Labor Education Advancement Program (LEAP) grant.

Apprenticeship is an earn-as-you-learn workforce training model that allows people to earn a good living while mastering in-demand skills. Apprentices receive classroom instruction and on-the-job training with the industry-specific knowledge needed to perform highly skilled work. At the end of their apprenticeship, they will have the skills and training necessary to be successful in a high-demand industry and earn a nationally recognized credential.

Gov. Tim Walz and Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan’s One Minnesota Budget included $1 million for LEAP grants to facilitate the participation or retention of people of color, Indigenous people and women in registered apprenticeship programs.

“The combination of paid, on-the-job training and classroom instruction gives employees the skills they need for a life-long career,” said Nicole Blissenbach, DLI commissioner. “These grants will help expand the benefits of apprenticeship to more workers throughout Minnesota.”

LEAP grants will be awarded to the following organizations. Recipients will use the funding to increase apprenticeship participation through various means including outreach, education, assessment, preparation, support services, instruction, training, placement and retention activities.

• Building Strong Communities – St. Paul

• Friends of Career Solutions – Saint Cloud

• Change, Inc. – St. Paul

• Minnesota Association of Community Health Centers – St. Paul 

• Minnesota Community Health Workers Alliance – Bloomington 

• North Branch Area Education Foundation – North Branch

For more information, visit apprenticeshipmn.com or contact Apprenticeship Minnesota at dli.apprenticeship@state.mn.us or 651-284-5090.

Media contact:  Chris Thompson at chris.thompson@state.mn.us.