INDIANA – Indiana Governor Mike Braun today announced nearly $19 million in federal funding to strengthen workforce training, expand apprenticeship opportunities, and connect more Hoosiers with careers in high-demand industries.
The funding supports four initiatives focused on registered apprenticeships, special education teacher preparation, reentry employment, and industry-driven skills training.
“Indiana has built a nationally recognized apprenticeship system that connects Hoosiers with valuable career opportunities while helping employers develop skilled workers,” said Governor Braun. “These investments will further that success by expanding work-based learning and preparing more Hoosiers for high-demand careers.”
The awards build on Indiana’s continued focus on work-based learning and employer-led training. Federal funding will help expand short- and long-term training opportunities, including Registered Apprenticeship Programs and Certified Pre-Apprenticeship Programs, while addressing workforce needs in advanced manufacturing, education, information technology, construction and health care.
“By targeting specific sectors, such as advanced manufacturing, Indiana is making the most out of these federal funds,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce Chuck Goodrich. “Connecting Hoosiers with the training and educational tools they need to pursue in-demand careers is one of the most important services the state can provide. Not only do individuals benefit, but so do Indiana businesses in need of their talent.”
The four federal awards include:
Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund Grant – $6.7 million
- The nearly four-year grant will help rapidly upskill Hoosiers in advanced manufacturing, information technology, building and construction and allied health care. Local Workforce Development Boards and employers will identify regional skill needs and develop responsive training, while coordinating with workforce and education partners to strengthen regional talent pipelines.
U.S. Department of Education Indiana Special Education Teacher Registered Apprenticeship Grant – $3.09 million
- The five-year grant will help Indiana build a statewide Registered Apprenticeship model that provides paid, low-cost, competency-based pathways to full special education licensure. The grant funds will be used to design program standards, award subgrants, support and enroll apprentices, and strengthen the overall pipeline for special education teachers, especially in high-need areas where shortages are most severe.
U.S. Department of Labor State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) Round 4 Grant – $3.9 million
- The three-year grant rewards Indiana for recent growth in active and new apprentices. The SAEF funding also aligns with America’s Talent Strategy by preparing the workforce for economic growth and strengthening the National Apprenticeship System as the nation’s premier talent development pipeline. Indiana will focus on group sponsorship, career and technical education counselor training, and local workforce board capacity building for support to our Advanced Manufacturing industry.
Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships and Training Initiative (RESTART) – $5.1 million
- The three-and-a-half-year RESTART grant will connect justice-involved adults age 25 and older with career pathways in advanced manufacturing, construction and skilled trades, and transportation and logistics. The grant will strengthen coordination between workforce and reentry systems while expanding access to training and employment.
“These grants will help Hoosiers develop the skills needed to succeed in high-demand industries while strengthening Indiana’s workforce,” said Indiana Department of Workforce Development Commissioner Kate Shelby. “By expanding access to employer-driven training, we can connect more workers with rewarding careers and help businesses meet their evolving workforce needs.”
Together, the four awards represent nearly $19 million in federal investment in Indiana’s workforce and will support programs extending through 2031.
On average, every dollar invested by employers in Registered Apprenticeship Programs leads to a return on investment of $1.47, according to U.S. Department of Labor national data. Every tax dollar invested in the programs leads to an average of $28 in economic impact due to wage gains and increased productivity. And 93% of apprentices retain employment after apprenticeship completion.
This year, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s Office of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship has seen an uptick in new apprentices as well as total apprentices as it continues encouraging Hoosiers to pursue the proven earn-and-learn model of registered apprenticeships. The office’s efforts help Hoosier businesses find the skilled talent they need by leveraging key partnerships to create and expand apprenticeship pathways.
Moreover, the department has funded business services staff at every local workforce region to help connect employers with such opportunities.
To learn more about Indiana’s workforce programs, visit in.gov/dwd.
