ETA Announces Funding to Support 10-20 Grants in Promoting the Adoption of the 21st Century Registered Apprenticeship Framework
The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) has announced the availability of approximately $6.5 million for 10-20 grants to promote the adoption of the 21st century Registered Apprenticeship framework established by the Final Rule published on October 29, 2008 promulgating revised 20 CFR Part 29, Labor Standards for the Registration of Apprenticeship Programs.
The grants will fund the development and/or adaptation of national guideline standards that incorporate competency-based progression; hybrid-style progression; and/or interim credentials. Funds are also available to train staff, apprenticeship instructors and members on the 21st century Registered Apprenticeship framework and on the development of standards that utilize the elements of the 21st century Registered Apprenticeship framework as established by the Final Rule. National industry and employer associations, labor-management organizations and other organizations that demonstrate the capacity to advance registered apprenticeship through the development of new or modified apprenticeship standards using the elements of the 21st century Registered Apprenticeship framework are eligible to apply for grant funds.
To be considered for an award, grant applications must incorporate at least four of the following seven components:
- Continued expansion into fast growing and/or new and emerging industries (including construction.
- Development of new or modified programs or guideline standards that utilize competency-based or hybrid training models.
- Use of interim credentialing to acknowledge the skills an apprentice attains during training.
- Adoption of Technology-Based Learning strategies for related instruction.
- Strategic partnerships with the Office of Apprenticeship (OA), State Apprenticeship Agencies (SAA), and the public workforce investment system.
- Innovative strategies to serve under-represented populations,particularly youth and women, to meet the talent development needs of regional economies through Registered Apprenticeship.
- Innovative Partnerships with Education (Secondary and Post-Secondary) and other key stakeholders.
The closing date for receipt of application under this announcement is 60 days from the date of publication (January 15, 2009) in the FEDERAL REGISTER.
The January 15 FEDERAL REGISTER provides full background, describes the size and nature of the anticipated awards, outlines the qualifications of an eligible application. This SGA notice also furnishes information on the application and submission process, and sets forth the review process and rating criteria that will be used to evaluate applications. The SGA notice also contains the relevant agency contact information, and describes all key definitions as well as the "Veterans Priority" requirements.
