Shaheen Announces Grant for the Community College System of New Hampshire to Increase Access to Apprenticeships
**The ApprenticeshipUSA-NH project will receive a $1.2 million grant from the Department of Labor**
**The project, supported by Sen. Shaheen, will serve 133 apprentices in the Granite State with a focus on women, low-income, veterans and other underrepresented populations**
(Manchester, NH)— U.S. Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) announced today that the Community College System of New Hampshire was awarded $1.2 million by the Department of Labor (DOL) to fund the ApprenticeshipUSA-NH project. The grant is part of the Administration’s ApprenticeshipUSA initiative to expand apprenticeships in diverse industries nationwide. With this new grant, the Community College System of New Hampshire will create a Registered Apprenticeship system in the Granite State that builds upon the momentum of several initiatives aligned with state economic, workforce development and educational goals. The ApprenticeshipUSA-NH project will serve 133 apprentices, with special emphasis on underrepresented populations including low-income, individuals with disabilities, youth, women, and veterans. Senator Shaheen has been a strong supporter of the ApprenticeshipUSA initiative since its creation in 2014.
“This is an important investment in New Hampshire’s workforce,” said Senator Shaheen. “The ApprenticeshipUSA-NH project will invest in Granite State workers to advance their skills and knowledge for today’s job market, while also strengthening our economy. I am proud to have worked with the Administration in support of the ApprenticeshipUSA initiative so we can engage more young people, women, veterans and other underrepresented people in apprenticeships to provide them with the skills they need to find a career they love. This program demonstrates that when we invest in our workers, we are investing in our businesses and economy as a whole.”
Job-driven apprenticeships are one of the surest paths to provide American workers with the skills and knowledge they need to acquire good-paying jobs and grow the economy. More than 90 percent of apprentices are employed after completing their programs, with an average starting wage above $60,000. International studies suggest that for every dollar spent on apprenticeship, employers may get an average of $1.47 back in increased productivity and greater front-line innovation.
