(Washington, DC – Insurance News 360) – On Oct. 11, the U.S. Department of Labor announced a two year, $1.9 million contract for pilot projects targeting apprenticeships for youths and adults with disabilities, created by the Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Employment Policy (DEP).

Social Policy Research Associates will use the two year contract to research, develop, test, and evaluate innovative strategies in apprenticeship programs that provide skills training to people with disabilities. Efforts will specifically focus on quality pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship pilots in high-growth industries such as information technology, healthcare, and emerging sectors. SPRA will document and share best practices so that other apprenticeship efforts may replicate promising approaches.

“Apprenticeships are a proven strategy for connecting job creators with motivated, highly skilled workers, yet people with disabilities are disproportionately underrepresented in apprenticeship programs and in the workforce at large,” said Deputy Assistant Secretary of Labor for Disability Employment Policy Jennifer Sheehy. “This project will help us determine ways to ensure people with disabilities acquire the skills and credentials needed to obtain an in-demand position in a high-growth business or industry, where jobs pay family sustaining wages.”

ODEP works to increase the number and quality of employment opportunities for people with disabilities by developing and influencing policies and practices. For more information on ODEP and this contract award, visit https://www.dol.gov/odep/.

Source: U.S. Department of Labor.