Lansing, Michigan  Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth Deputy Director Andy Levin announced on June 22, 2009 that Michigan will devote $1 million from ARRA (Recovery Act) to create the Michigan Registered Apprenticeship Pilot (MRAP) program. MRAP funds will provide incentives to employers who partner with their local Michigan Works! Agencies across the state to sponsor 1,000 new apprentices in U.S. Depart (USDOL) registered apprenticeships.  MRAP, which began Aug. 1, 2009, offers employers a $1,000 incentive — $500 when the USDOL Apprenticeship Office certifies the start of the apprenticeship and $500 after the apprentice has completed six months of the training. In addition to the $1,000 incentive to the company, Michigan Works may — providing funding is available — choose to pay for classroom training for the apprentice.

The two-year program operates through local Michigan Works Agencies across the state. South Central Michigan Works registered the first five apprentices in Michigan, including Sheldon. Individuals in the MRAP program who meet No Worker Left Behind eligibility requirements will also be eligible to receive educational support of up to $5000 per year for a two year period, up to a total of $10,000.

In an effort to prepare Michigan’s female, minority, and economically disadvantaged workforce for apprenticeship positions, weatherization projects and other green construction jobs, Michigan is launching the Energy Conservation Apprenticeship Readiness (ECAR) Program through the use of ARRA Funds.

What’s your state doing to leverage ARRA Funds to advance Registered Apprenticeship?