The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the allocation of $6 million in grants aimed at increasing the participation of women in pre-apprenticeship and Registered Apprenticeship programs, as well as nontraditional occupations. These funds are intended to support training initiatives across eight states and the District of Columbia, focusing on skilled building trades, advanced manufacturing, and information technology.
Acting Secretary Julie Su stated, "As the Biden-Harris administration continues to improve the lives of working people, create family-sustaining jobs and grow an economy that works for everyone, we’re focused on gender equity and making sure all communities benefit." She emphasized that these grants are designed to prepare women for union jobs while promoting workforce equity.
The Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grants are managed by the Women's Bureau and Employment and Training Administration within the department. They provide technical assistance to increase women's involvement in fields where they have been historically underrepresented, such as construction, energy, technology, and transportation. The funding can also be used for supportive services like childcare, transportation, tuition assistance, and work-related gear.
This year's grant recipients mark the largest award by the department so far, with a $1 million increase compared to 2023. Wendy Chun-Hoon, Director of the Women's Bureau, commented on this initiative: "Good jobs are those that provide stable and equitable pay with benefits in a safe, healthy and accessible workplace. Good jobs change lives." She added that these grants help women gain necessary training support to thrive in their careers.
The list of recipients includes Fresh Start Women's Foundation in Phoenix, AZ; Arkansas Center for Data Sciences in Little Rock, AR; Dev Mission in San Francisco, CA; Veterans Enterprise Training & Services Group Inc. in Washington DC; Chicago Women in Trades in Chicago IL; Maryland Center for Construction Education and Innovation in Parkton MD; Southern Nevada Building Trades Union in Las Vegas NV; Catalyst Connection in Pittsburgh PA; Vermont Works for Women Inc. in Winooski VT.
Overall funding totals $6 million distributed among these organizations.
