Issue link: https://iconnect007.uberflip.com/i/1515990
52 PCB007 MAGAZINE I FEBRUARY 2024 awareness, grant navigation assistance, grant writing support and technical assistance, and advocacy for industry inclusion in the grant landscape. As employers are adopting IPC's apprenticeship standards, we are working hand in hand with their leadership teams to identify funding sources that can help offset the train- ing costs available to them in individual states as well as making them aware of federal oppor- tunities as we become aware of newly avail- able grants, changes in eligibility criteria, and deadlines, ensuring that companies remain informed and can take timely action. LaRont: So, these are DOL-approved appren- ticeship programs, but you still must get approval in each individual state? A federally approved national program stan- dards of apprenticeship provides a consistent framework and set of guidelines that serve as a foundation for apprenticeship programs across the country. While the standards are estab- lished at the federal level, their implementa- tion and oversight occur at the individual state level. Reciprocity agreements, facilitated by the Office of Apprenticeship state designation, further enhance coordination and standardiza- tion across state lines, fostering a more seam- less and efficient apprenticeship system. ere are also some states that operate State Appren- ticeship Agencies (SAA), which are respon- sible for overseeing apprenticeship programs within their jurisdiction. SAAs work in part- nership with the federal DOL to implement and enforce national standards while tailor- ing them to meet the specific needs and regula- tions of their state. LaRont: How many states are currently reg- istered or have adopted this apprenticeship program and which states are they? Who looks to be next? National Program Standards of Apprentice- ship provide a standardized framework appli- cable across all U.S. states and territories and can be implemented "as is." However, includ- ing apprenticeships on a state's Eligible Train- ing Provider List (ETPL) offers additional ben- efits, particularly in utilizing Workforce Inno- vation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) funds. Apprentices and employers can tap into WIOA funding to cover various costs associated with apprenticeship programs. is may include tuition, books, and other related expenses, providing a valuable financial resource for both apprentices and employers. IPC is currently included on the following state's ETPL: Texas, Colorado, Utah, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, New York, New Hampshire, and Florida. We are actively coordinating the addition of IPC's registered apprenticeships in California, Arizona, North Dakota, Kansas, Iowa, Arkansas, Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Michigan, New Jersey, Connecticut, Maryland, and Massachusetts. e list is grow- ing weekly as companies in various states con- tact us about apprenticeship opportunities in their state. Te: I understand that IPC is working with three high schools in the United States, hoping to find 200 students to become apprentices. We have three schools—one in Texas, one in Colorado and one in Massachusetts—that offer workforce training courses to high school stu-