DWD secures $6.25 million to expand registered apprenticeships in Indiana

Thursday, July 3, 2025 at 6:00 AM

By Staff report

The Indiana Department of Workforce Development (DWD) Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship team announced it has been awarded $6,251,973 in federal grants to grow Registered Apprenticeships Programs (RAP) across the state.

These awards come as part of the U.S. Department of Labor’s nearly $84 million investment in 50 states and territories to expand apprenticeship capacity nationwide.

“These federal dollars ensure Indiana is in a prime position to deliver on President Trump’s Executive Order to modernize American workforce programs,” said Governor Mike Braun. “We’re not just equipping employers with vital tools for skills development; we’re cementing Indiana’s leadership in workforce innovation and economic prosperity.”

Indiana’s grant includes:

$1,281,731 in base formula funding to bolster existing apprenticeship infrastructure.
$4,970,242 in competitive expansion grants aimed at launching new apprenticeship models and reducing barriers for employers.

“Registered apprenticeships are a proven pathway to good paying and in demand careers,” said Josh Richardson, Commissioner of the Department of Workforce Development. “The resources allotted allows us to deepen partnerships with Indiana businesses, community colleges, and training providers – strengthening our talent pipeline and ensuring Hoosiers have the skills employers need today and into the future.”

This latest infusion of funding will accelerate RAP efforts and support Governor Braun’s vision of a better future for Hoosiers. Apprenticeship models give the jobholder hands on experience through upskilling while receiving scheduled wage increases.

In return, employers boast a talent pipeline to a more skilled workforce.

“These grants arrive at a pivotal moment,” added Jason Graves, DWD Senior Director of Work-Based Learning and Apprenticeship. “This investment allows us to scale up our outreach to employers and better support our intermediaries providing services. This will continue to keep Indiana out front in the apprenticeship space.”

To learn more information about Registered Apprenticeships, please go to https://www.in.gov/dwd/owbla/.

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