The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) recently began issuing the grants to apprenticeship programs and non-profit organizations that support them. The funds expand access and improve apprenticeship experiences across the state.

It’s the first round of more than $8 million in grants available through the end of this fiscal year. In total, it’s among the largest amounts L&I has distributed for registered apprenticeships.

The grants cover several areas including technology and remote learning, upgrading equipment, and driver-education course vouchers for minors.

“These funds will improve apprenticeship technology, and ensure apprentices have access to the support they need to be successful,” said Celeste Monahan, assistant director of Fraud Prevention and Labor Standards. “We’re very excited for these organizations and look forward to others participating.”

The first-round recipients include programs from across the state that train more than 3,600 apprentices. They are:

- NW Laborers, Kingston, $699,000
- NW Electrical Industry JATC, Mount Vernon, $301,083
- NW Ironworkers, Tukwila, $300,210
- Seattle Pipe Trades, Seattle, $145,665
- Ironworkers Local 14 JATC, Spokane, $113,967
- Inland Empire Electrical, Spokane, $76,201
- Seattle Area Roofers, Kent, $75,325
- SW Washington Electrical JATC, Tacoma, $57,826
- Washington Construction Teamsters, Pasco, $18,527
- Community Health Association of Spokane, Spokane, $17,777
- Tradesmen Electric, Battle Ground, $17,527
- Frontier Electrical Apprenticeship, Vancouver, $10,016
- Cares of Washington, Seattle, $8,750
- Computing for All, Bellevue, $3,750

Grant details

While the grant application period is open through Dec. 31, the deadline to spend the current round of money is June 30, 2023. State registered apprenticeship programs and non-profit organizations that support apprentices should apply as soon as possible.

It’s easy to apply: Organizations can file a single application form. L&I estimates each application takes a minimum of 30 days for review.

There’s information on the grants, and updates on funding on L&I’s website. Potential applicants can also email questions or call 360-902-5320.

About apprenticeship

There are about 200 registered apprenticeship programs in the state. More than 22,000 people participate in the programs, which cover some 220 different occupations.

The latest round of grant-making builds on L&I’s $15 million grant last year to the Machinists Institute and the Society of Professional Engineering Employees in Aerospace, representing engineers at The Boeing Company and other technical workers.