DeLauro Announces Apprenticeship Grant for Connecticut

WASHINGTON, DC (June 2, 2016) — Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro (CT-03) today announced that the Connecticut Department of Labor will receive a $200,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Labor to expand apprenticeship programs in the state. The funding is distributed through the ApprenticeshipUSA State Accelerator Grant program, which DeLauro fought to have funded in last year’s omnibus bill.

“As more students and families are concerned about the rising cost of higher education, apprenticeships are a valuable resource for students and employers. Not only do students receive on-the-job training while earning a paycheck, they come into the workplace with fully developed skills that are beneficial to employers,” said Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro. “This new grant will help Connecticut expand and grow its apprenticeship programs and it will enable more students to participate. We must continue to invest in programs that provide job training opportunities and I will continue to fight for more funding in Congress.”

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, 87 percent of apprentices are employed after completing their programs, with an average starting wage above $50,000 per year. The return on investment for employers is substantial, as studies indicate that for every dollar spent on apprenticeship, employers receive average of $1.47 return in increased productivity, reduced waste and greater front-line innovation.

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