MDC has been awarded a U.S. Department of Labor Scaling Apprenticeship Through Sector-Based Strategies Grant worth nearly $2 million to expand and create new apprenticeship opportunities in Florida.U
In collaboration with Polk State College, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, Kaseya software company, and the Computing Technology Industry Association (CompTIA), MDC will use the funds to develop the Miami Dade Apprenticeship Partnership in Information Technology (MAP IT) project, which will focus on information technology and related industries to develop and expand apprenticeship programs within those fields. The project is set to launch next month.
MDC and its partners will serve at least 800 apprenticeships over the four-year project period. The MAP IT project consortium will develop and implement Industry Recognized Apprenticeship Programs (IRAPs) to fill hiring gaps within Florida’s growing technology hub. Competencies for the IT industry will be developed with strategic industry partners and include industry certifications, career and technical certificates, college credit certificates, associates, and baccalaureate degrees.
“Miami Dade College is meeting the needs of industry to decrease the talent skills gap by developing accelerated ‘learn and earn’ programs resulting in job security and financial stability in the communities we serve and helping industry develop sustainable business models resulting in growth opportunities,” said Dr. John Wensveen, MDC’s Vice Provost of Academic Schools. “The USDOL Scaling Apprenticeship Grant strengthens the college’s position as a national leader linking talent with opportunity and in this case, with a particular focus on emerging technologies in the Information Technology sector, which is one of the seven defined targeted, high-wage, high-growth industries in Miami-Dade County. Miami is quickly becoming a recognized talent hub for skills-based training and the MDC MAP IT program will be a great recruitment resource for our community,”
The Department announced awards totaling $183.8 million to support the development and expansion of apprenticeships for educational institutions partnering with companies that provide a funding match component. It will also make available an additional $100 million for efforts to expand apprenticeships and close the skills gap.
Scaling Apprenticeship Through Sector-Based Strategies grants are awarded to private-public apprenticeship partnerships in information technology, advanced manufacturing, and healthcare. The grants are funded through H-1B visa fees, which are paid to bring foreign workers to America when Americans cannot be found to fill open jobs.
These grants support the training of more than 85,000 apprentices in new or expanded apprenticeship programs and increase apprenticeship opportunities for all Americans, including veterans, military spouses, and service members transitioning into the civilian workforce; and groups that are underrepresented in apprenticeships such as women, people of color, and Americans transitioning from the justice system to the workforce. Recipients include colleges, universities, and state systems of higher education, in partnership with national industry associations, employers representing an industry sector, and other partners. Industry partners will provide partial matching funds to the institutions to develop in-demand skills as part of these programs.
“The apprenticeship model of earning while learning has worked well in many American industries, and today we open opportunities for apprenticeships to flourish in new sectors of our economy,” added U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexander Acosta. “With 7.4 million open jobs and job creators searching for skilled job seekers, apprenticeship expansion will continue to close the skills gap and strengthen the greatest workforce in the world – the American workforce.”
For more information on the Scaling Apprenticeship Through Sector-Based Strategies Grant, please visit the www.dol.gov.