Manufacturing Innovation Fund Apprenticeship Program

Overview

The Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF) Apprenticeship Program supports a combination of on-the-job training and classroom instruction for apprentices in Connecticut’s manufacturing industry. This multimillion-dollar program is dedicated to helping manufacturers meet market demands by providing incentives to increase the number of apprentices.

Applicants may seek assistance in the form of a matching grant for wage subsidies, tuition reimbursement and competency testing. Funds do not need to be repaid, provided the applicant meets the deliverables and complies with the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Eligibility

All applications requesting funding are evaluated by the state Department of Labor (DOL) apprenticeship representative to determine if they meet the following mandatory requirements:

Employers must:

  1. have a Registered Apprenticeship Program with DOL;
  2. be a Connecticut-based manufacturer registered to conduct business in the state for no less than 12 months;
  3. be from an eligible industry including but not limited to aerospace, medical device, composite materials, digital manufacturing, and other technologically advanced commercial products and services supply chains;
  4. operate as a for-profit entity with a facility located in Connecticut;
  5. be in good standing with the Department of Revenue Services and DOL and other relevant state or local agencies; and
  6. be registered with the Connecticut Secretary of State.

Apprentices must:

  1. be employed in any of the following functions: direct/indirect labor including but not limited to production, information technology, logistics or research and development, engineering and production support;
  2. work at a Connecticut manufacturing facility;
  3. be at least 16 years of age; and
  4. work full-time hours as defined by the industry.

Eligible Activities & Uses

  • Grants will become eligible to support on-the-job learning and related classroom instruction for apprentices registered with the state DOL.
  • Grant recipients must be a qualified registered apprenticeship program sponsor or an approved registered apprenticeship-related instruction provider in the manufacturing trades.
  • Grants can be used for partial wage subsidy, tuition and credentialing reimbursement.

Contact

For additional questions or information, contact Eleanor Lennon at (860) 263-6731 or Eleanor.Lennon@ct.gov.

To apply, employers should complete and submit the online application form.