The Office of Workforce Development is pleased to announce the establishment of the "Apprenticeships for Economic Recovery Grant" (referred to as the "Apprenticeship Grant"). This initiative marks a significant step forward in supporting the economic recovery post-pandemic by investing in workforce development. 

The Apprenticeship Grant has been created to provide essential funding for eligible Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) throughout the state. These programs have been carefully designed to contribute to the economic recovery process. The grant is set to play a crucial role in enhancing the skills and employability of individuals during these challenging times.

This year, an award of $264,000 has been allocated to support up to 60 apprentices. The grant will cover a wide range of expenses, including tuition, fees, books, tools, supplies, and assessments associated with both related technical instruction (RTI) and on-the-job learning (OJL). By doing so, it aims to make these opportunities accessible and affordable for aspiring apprentices.

Savannah River Nuclear Solutions, a prominent player in the region, has taken on the role of the apprenticeship sponsor, demonstrating a commitment to investing in the local workforce.

Augusta Technical College and the SRS Apprenticeship School will partner to offer the Nuclear Operator apprenticeship program to help build the workforce pipeline for nuclear operators at Savannah River Site (SRS). This pipeline supports Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS), Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC) and Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).

“The SRS apprenticeship School is excited to expand our existing technical school partnerships to include Augusta Technical College.” stated Dr. Dorian G. Newton, Deputy Director of Site Training at the Savannah River Site. “Through this new partnership we hope to better provide apprenticeship opportunities that improve access and success for diverse populations in both Georgia and South Carolina which lead to new, challenging lifelong careers.”

Students will complete 530 hours of classwork and 480 hours of on-the-job training bi-monthly until completion of the program. Apprentices will study mechanical science, electrical science, chemistry, physics, mathematics, and process control. The program will begin in January 2024 with a cohort of twenty students, setting the stage for a bright future and a robust recovery for the state's economy.

This initiative underscores the Office of Workforce Development's dedication to facilitating economic recovery by empowering individuals and strengthening the workforce. The Apprenticeships for Economic Recovery Grant is a significant step towards achieving that goal.

"We are excited to receive the AER Grant funds from the Office of Workforce Development, which is essential for student success in the apprenticeship program. The apprenticeship program provides an excellent opportunity for students to gain on-the-job training and establish a clear path toward a successful career in the nuclear industry," stated Julie Langham, Vice President of Economic Development at Augusta Technical College.