The US Department of Labor announced on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 that the Kentucky Labor Cabinet has been awarded $1,085,871 under the ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant Initiative to continue efforts to grow Registered Apprenticeships throughout the Commonwealth. Deputy Secretary Mikes Nemes said receiving the funding is a testament to the success the state has had expanding Registered Apprenticeships across the state and countless opportunities that lie ahead. The purpose of this round of funding is to enable Kentucky to established and grow “intermediaries,” or third-party organizations to better connect apprentices with employers; engage employers new to the state or new to Registered Apprenticeships; compensate businesses for expenses related to required training instruction; and to diversify the pool of apprentices in Kentucky. The Labor Cabinet has received two prior awards from the USDOL, including the Accelerator Planning Grant and the $896,000 ApprenticeshipUSA State Expansion Grant, together totaling in excess of $1 million.