What happens at state apprenticeship council meetings? An example from Minnesota.

Have you ever wondered what happens at various state's apprenticeship council, or apprenticeship advisory board, meetings?

We originally did, and we assumed others might as well. Historically, these meetings were held entirely in-person. During the pandemic, many of them switched online. Some have reverted back to in-person only, while others now have a hybrid approach.

Every state apprenticeship agency runs things a little differently, but we listened in on Minnesota's July 10th, 2024 Apprenticeship Advisory Board to give you an example of what goes on at these meetings. Here's some of what we found. The full meeting agenda is posted on Minnesota's DOLI site and minutes are added at some point after the meeting.

Board Member Updates

After launching the meeting, board members each give an update on various updates in their particular industry and or region. This is an opportunity to highlight various best practices, raise concerns to explore more.

The group covered construction industry trends and placements, the launch of new apprenticeships such as teacher apprenticeships, the growth of women in trades programs, updates to lineman apprenticeships across the state, pre-apprenticeships, and the success of pipe trades apprentices passing their state license exams (98% passing).

If you're new to these meetings, these sessions are a great look at the various stages of industries in apprenticeships with some programs expanding, some maintaining, and some revising their programs.

Spotlight on a Program

Next, the board shifted gears to shine a spotlight on a particular program, the International Joint Commission on Allied Health Personnel in Ophthalmology (IJCAHPO), and their Opthalmic Technician apprenticeship.

This is a newer program with huge potential. There are very few accredited organizations that teach to this industry. The need for apprenticeships is an ideal match.

Pre-apprenticeship

Next, the group shifted gears to talk a bit about pre-apprenticeships and how they fit with registered apprenticeship. This is a topic many states are focused on at the moment as pre-apprenticeships increased become registered programs with agreements tying them to apprenticeships.

The group is looking at what other states have implemented or begun to implement to recognize pre-apprenticeships. This is also a focus area because the federal Department of Labor is promoting this as part of regulations. There's now specific language for the first time in federal regulations that address pre-apprenticeship and what high quality looks like.

Demographics + Program Updates

Next, the group reviews some of the stats for apprenticeships in Minnesota that break down the latest stats for apprenticeships - participation trends, completion trends, program sponsors by industry and apprentices by industry.

At a high-level, there are currently 221 apprenticeship sponsors, 162 active, in Minnesota with over 2800+ participating employers.

SAA Review by DOL

We've mentioned there's a difference between OA and SAA states previously. SAA states are approved by the DOL and periodically go through review to ensure they're meeting their requirements as a state apprenticeship agency. Minnesota staff explained they are nearly complete with their SAA recognition review. If you're learning how to understand apprenticeship regulations, they mentioned this is tied to 29 CFR part 29 and 30.

Activities and Workforce Alignment

Next there was a brief few slides on general activities for the agency - outreach at CareerForce, monthly newsletter, ensuring apprenticeships are on the eligible provider training list (ETPL), some interagency planning, and efforts aligned with JFF's National Innovation Hub for DEIA.

Grant Funding

Finally, the group covered various grant funds won by the state, itself, as well as how those funds are and can be used. There's both $1M+ in formula funding and $4.7M+ in competitive funding at the state level currently as part of the Minnesota State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (MNSAEF) as well as two other programs that were discussed - Labor Education Advancement Program (LEAP) and a Clean Economy Grant.

After that, the group has a vote and movement to adjourn the meeting to wrap things up.

We may have missed a section or two in during during the session, but hopefully this gives you a good sense of what's happening at some of these apprenticeship council meetings at various state apprenticeship agencies.