Federal funds available for women's apprenticeship program

The U.S. Department of Labor's Women's Bureau has announced the availability of funds for the Women in Apprenticeships and Nontraditional Occupations program for the fiscal year beginning Oct. 1.

According to the Department of Labor, the program's purpose is to aid employers and labor unions in the placement and retention of women in apprenticeship and nontraditional occupations.

Grant funds are awarded to eligible community organizations, which may include faith-based organizations, to provide technical assistance geared toward the successful placement and retention of women in apprenticeship and nontraditional occupations.

For the past eight years, the Women's Bureau has awarded grants to qualified entities for the purpose of increasing the number of women in high-skilled occupations.

The Women's Bureau administers the grants jointly with the Department of Labor's Office of Apprenticeship Training.

"Apprenticeship is a great opportunity for women to gain valuable skills that can advance their careers with better-paying jobs," said Women's Bureau Director Shinae Chun.

"By expanding the skills of America's working women, we are addressing the needs of our work force and assisting women in the development of rewarding careers.

"When women win, families win."

Information about the Department of Labor and its programs is available online at www.dol.gov.