Registered Apprenticeship Technical Assistance Centers of Excellence

Description

The purpose of this program is to establish Registered Apprenticeship Technical Assistance Centers of Excellence that, in close coordination with the Department’s Office of Apprenticeship (OA), will support the expansion and modernization of TA available in the registered apprenticeship system and build on existing apprenticeship efforts already in place. TA Centers of Excellence (“Centers”) are designated entities that provide technical expertise and services on a national scale to key RAP stakeholders and customers to accelerate and support RAP expansion. These Centers will support four key areas and provide technical assistance on a national scale to registered apprenticeship stakeholders and customers, ultimately increasing the effectiveness of the use of federal funding appropriated for the expansion of RAPs across the nation. Through a cooperative agreement with the Department, the RA TA Centers of Excellence program will cover the four key areas identified below to support RAP expansion:Diversity and Inclusion Center will focus on supporting Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) efforts (29 C.F.R. Part 30), providing technical assistance on effective strategies to support demonstrated increases in registered apprenticeship opportunities for underrepresented populations, and facilitating the development of other strategic partnerships and networks that support increasing diversity and inclusion in registered apprenticeship.Strategic Partnerships and System Alignment Center will focus on establishing, building, and sustaining partnerships that support system alignment of the national workforce and education systems to accelerate RAP adoption and expansion. This RA TA Center of Excellence will provide technical assistance on a national scope to RAP sponsors implementing RAPs, and will also support state and local workforce development boards, American Job Center programs and operators, governors and other essential stakeholders that drive and inform economic and workforce development policies and programs. The RA TA Center of Excellence will engage key stakeholders, including federal agencies (e.g., Department of Education), economic development organizations, business, organized labor, and industry groups. Apprenticeship Occupations and Standards Center will focus on the development of RAP frameworks (competency-based, hybrid, and other innovative models), national RAP standards including those that include industry-recognized credentials, and supporting industry in meeting RAP design and development requirements in compliance with 29 C.F.R. Part 29, Subpart A. Data and Performance and Best Practices Center will focus on conducting data analysis, data system building, and resource development that will support administrative and systems improvements, including technological advancements that promote registered apprenticeship within state systems.

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