Iowa Workforce Development has announced new grant awards for Registered Apprenticeship sponsors whose programs are building the workforce pipeline across the state. A total of $3.4 million in grants are being distributed to both existing RA programs and programs created in new occupations that are based in high-demand fields.
Grant funds awarded to RA sponsors will be managed through the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship. The IOA, housed within Iowa Workforce Development, is responsible for administering and supporting all RA programs in the state. In 2024, Iowa officially became a State Apprenticeship Agency, granting IOA the formal oversight and authority to better support existing programs and establish innovative ways to expand their development across the state.
The grant awards involve two different funding streams, which together will help support the success of thousands of apprentices participating in the sponsors’ programs:
- The Iowa Apprenticeship Act (84E), which provides funding for training or ongoing costs within any active RA program in the state. ($2.94 million in grants to 59 sponsors who are supporting 5,133 participating apprentices.)
- The Iowa Registered Apprenticeship Development Program (84F), which specifically provides funding for new programs formed in a high-demand occupation. ($427,800 in grants to 17 sponsors who have created programs in 19 new occupations.)
