North Columbus News

Today, U.S. Representative Mike Carey (R-Ohio-15) announced that the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services has received a State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Round 3 (SAFE3) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The grant aims to increase the number of registered apprenticeships in Central Ohio.

“Now that the reconciliation bill has become law and America’s economy is poised to be unleashed, we need to be looking to prepare our American workforce with the skills to meet the new jobs created in the future,” Rep. Carey stated. “This grant will help Ohio build out its apprenticeship programs so that we have an economy that will support workers and families for years to come.”

Matt Damschroder, Director of the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, emphasized the importance of apprenticeships in workforce development: “Apprenticeships play a key role in building Ohio’s workforce. These funds will help us provide technical assistance and support to Ohio’s apprenticeship programs and strengthen opportunities for employers and jobseekers across Ohio.”

The grant totals $1,640,376 and is part of a national initiative aiming for one million active apprentices. It supports education and training in crucial areas like artificial intelligence, trades, and maritime commerce.