STILLWATER, Okla. (OBV) – The federal government gifted Oklahoma hundreds of thousands of dollars to grow the number of apprentices in the state, part of an apprenticeship expansion effort championed by President Donald Trump.
The U.S. Department of Labor awarded close to $84 million in grants to increase Registered Apprenticeship program capacity in all U.S. states and territories. The ultimate objective is to expand the program to one million active apprentices.
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education, commonly known as Oklahoma CareerTech, received $590,719 to increase the number of apprentices learning a professional trade in Oklahoma.
“Registered Apprenticeships are a vital tool for skills development, national economic competitiveness, business growth, and individual opportunity. They will become even more important as President Trump continues to create jobs in critical sectors like manufacturing and construction,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “I am committed to providing states and territories with the resources needed to meet their unique economic demands. Together, we will achieve President Trump’s goal of 1 million new active apprentices.”
More than 134,000 new apprentices have registered across the U.S. since the start of the current Trump administration, according to U.S. Department of Labor officials.
The $84 million in grants is the third round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula funding awarded by the Labor Department.
“This investment will further accelerate Registered Apprenticeship programs, incentivize the creation and ongoing success of programs, reduce barriers to entry for new employers and industries, foster innovation, and enhance overall transparency among Registered Apprenticeship stakeholders,” Labor Department officials said.
The funds will support implementation of the following Presidential Executive Orders related to enhancing and expanding the National Apprenticeship system:
- Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future
- Advancing Artificial Intelligence Education for American Youth
- Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance
- Reinvigorating the Nuclear Industrial Base
The grants are intended to create apprenticeships in traditional as well as emerging industries, including technology, Artificial Intelligence, advanced manufacturing, supply chain, transportation, building trades and construction, Labor Department officials said.
