The Missouri Registered Apprenticeship program recently received a $1.3 million grant.
The money comes from the U.S. Department of Labor's State Apprenticeship Expansion Grant to help Missouri build on the apprenticeship programs in the state, according to a news release from the Missouri Department of Economic Development.
Currently, Missouri has nearly 500 registered apprenticeship programs and almost 15,000 active apprentices.
Funds from the grant will be used to improve Missouri's apprenticeship program by implementing an apprenticeship tracking system. This would allow apprentices, employers and training providers to track training and completed competencies, according to the DED news release.
The funds will also be used for additional staff to support the expansion and implementation of additional apprenticeships.
Missouri Registered Apprenticeships provides an "earn while you learn" training model, where employees, or apprentices, earn more pay as they learn on the job. Apprenticeships are offered in trade skills like electrical, carpentry, plumbing and HVAC.
Zora Mulligan, commissioner of higher education, said expanding apprenticeships is a valuable workforce development strategy.
"These funds will ensure Missouri has the infrastructure in place to help businesses strengthen their workforce and grow our apprenticeship program," Parson said in the news release. "This investment will allow Missourians to track their progress while earning a paycheck and learning a high-demand skill."