The Community College System of New Hampshire was awarded $3.2 million by the U.S. Department of Labor through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grant, to be used to increase access to ApprenticeshipNH, a workforce program of CCSNH, to expand their pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs programs.

Of the total grant, $2.9 million includes competitive funding to increase sustainability, and to expand and diversify apprenticeship programs in industries including advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, infrastructure and clean energy, education and healthcare.

CCSNH is the only recipient in New Hampshire to receive funding and one of seven states across the country to be granted the additional competitive funding.

The U.S. DOL State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants help states enhance job quality, sustainability, diversity and equity while creating opportunities for innovation, engagement and accessibility in RAP programs.

“Being one of only seven states to receive this additional funding from the U.S. Department of Labor is a testament to the success that we have had throughout the state in creating and expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs,” said Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH chancellor. “Our apprenticeship programs are proven to be very successful for recruitment and retention and have helped Granite State employers in a variety of industries fill hundreds of critical positions all while creating a pipeline for advancement through skills enhancement.”

Through the ApprenticeshipNH program, employers within key sectors of the state’s economy can implement workforce development programs to create a pipeline of skilled workers using the “Earn While You Learn” model that combines on-the-job training and classroom education to increase an apprentice’s skills.

“Being awarded the (grant) will help CCSNH further build sustainable partnerships with our industry partners across the state while also providing new opportunities for innovation, engagement and ease of access for apprentices,” said Beth Doiron, CCSNH director of college access and NHED programs and initiatives in a press release. “These grants will focus on embedding diversity and equity into the development of career pathways for individuals seeking career growth opportunities, and it recognizes the importance of building New Hampshire’s labor force across every sector of our state’s population.”

Becky Marden, director of workforce development & experience at The Elliot, added, “Building quality pathways to healthcare careers where individuals can gain skills and qualifications for employment while still earning a wage has been an integral component of the program. Our Registered Apprenticeship programs do not just get people in-the-doors, but through the handson learning approach and wrap-around support from across our partnerships, we are seeing high retention rates in our cohorts. This partnership has allowed us to create flexible and industry-driven training solutions that assist us in caring for the health and wellbeing of those in our community.”

ApprenticeshipNH provides technical assistance and financial support for the development of apprenticeship programs across industries that include construction, education/child care, healthcare, hospitality, manufacturing, technology and transportation/logistics.