OTC nabs $75K federal apprenticeship grant

Ozarks Technical Community College this week received $75,000 through the U.S. Department of Labor’s ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant program.

OTC will use the funding to hire a full-time, 16-month apprenticeship specialist focused on forming new registered apprenticeships in health care and manufacturing throughout the community college’s 12-county service region, according to a news release.

“As we continue to see decreased funds from the state, our ability to receive grants is critical,” Higdon said in the release. “The funds we’ve received from the U.S. Department of Labor are a big win for our students, our region and the economy. Apprenticeships allow our students to earn a salary while learning the skills necessary to succeed in the high-demand careers of health care and manufacturing.

“When these highly skilled workers graduate and enter the workforce, that’s economic development.”

Among Gov. Eric Greitens' announced budget cuts this week were $11.9 million in core funding for community colleges.

OTC plans to post the apprenticeship specialist position at OTC.edu/jobs by tomorrow.