KEENE, NH – The Community College System of New Hampshire (CCSNH) has received competitive grant funding to support its workforce programs.

According to a news release, CCSNH was awarded $3.2 Million by the U.S. Department of Labor through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Grant, which helps states embed job quality, sustainability, diversity, and equity while creating opportunities for innovation, engagement, and accessibility.

The funding will be used to increase the ability of ApprenticeshipNH, to serve, improve, and strategically expand their Registered Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs.

Through the ApprenticeshipNH program, Granite State employers can implement workforce development programs to create a pipeline of skilled workers using the “Earn While You Learn” model, that combines on the job training, and classroom education.

Of the total grant, $2.9 Million was additional, competitive funding awarded to increase sustainability, and to expand and diversify apprenticeship programs in targeted industries such as advanced manufacturing, cybersecurity, infrastructure and clean energy, education, and healthcare.

CCSNH was the only recipient in New Hampshire to receive funding, and one of seven states across the country to be granted additional competitive funding.

“Being one of only seven states to receive this additional funding from the U.S. Department of Labor is a testament to the success that we have had throughout the state in creating and expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs,” said Mark Rubinstein, CCSNH chancellor in the release. “Our apprenticeship programs are proven to be very successful for recruitment and retention and have helped Granite State employers in a variety of industries fill hundreds of critical positions all while creating a pipeline for advancement through skills enhancement.”

With the support of other grants and the Office of Apprenticeship, the release says ApprenticeshipNH is enhancing statewide apprenticeship resources and networks by establishing four Regional Apprenticeship Hubs that align with the geographic locations of New Hampshire’s Community Colleges.

CCSNH is made up of the seven community Colleges located across the state to serve every community and region, and enroll more than 20,000 students annually.