LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas – The Arkansas Center for Data Sciences (DBA Apprenticely) is proud to announce that it has been named a 2024 recipient of the WANTO (Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations) grant. This is the first WANTO grant to be awarded to an organization based in, or serving the state of Arkansas.
“We are thrilled to be the first WANTO grant recipient in Arkansas,” says Bill Yoder, Apprenticely Executive Director. “Through our strong partnerships with the Arkansas Office of Skills Development and the various Women’s organizations, the U.S. Department of Labor is investing nearly $600,000 in our team effort to advance 500 women in high demand occupations across a variety of industry sectors.”
According to the USDOL website, “the Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations grants will enable organizations in eight states and the District of Columbia to provide training programs in skilled building trades, advanced manufacturing and information technology.”
“This grant is an exciting opportunity to empower women and promote gender equity in the workforce,” says Tiffany Benitez, President, Women in Technology of NWA. “This initiative will not only enhance skills and provide valuable job training but also create a supportive community that fosters leadership and career advancement for women. By investing in these programs, the organization is paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse labor market.”
“Over the last several years, Arkansas has experienced a growing momentum of employers across industry sectors and occupational roles adopting the registered apprenticeship model as a workforce development strategy,” says Mark McManus, Apprenticeship Expansion Coordinator with the Office of Skills Development. “In a tight labor market, the registered apprenticeship “earn and learn” method of skills development while on the job, allows for broader talent pipeline considerations and opportunities. The WANTO grant award provides needed resources and employer incentives to facilitate women having greater access to in-demand jobs through pre-apprenticeship and registered apprenticeship career pathways.”
Learn more about Apprenticely by visiting apprenticely.org.
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Apprenticely
Apprenticely, (formerly the Arkansas Center for Data Sciences) is dedicated to growing the workforce through the model of Registered Apprenticeship by fostering collaboration, establishing critical partnerships, and developing talent in high-demand, high-growth areas.
Apprenticely works with key partners including: Arkansas Workforce Connections, a division of the Arkansas Department of Commerce, Arkansas Department of Education, Arkansas Economic Development Commission, Arkansas Advanced Energy Association, WIT NWA, Forge Institute, Xpanxion Technology, Pluralsight, Arkansas Academy of Computing, University of Arkansas Global Campus, Newport Economic Development Commission, ASU Newport, SEARK Community College, Arkansas Local Workforce Boards, Shorter College, and many others.