The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that Iowa will receive a $200,000 ApprenticeshipUSA State Accelerator Grant to expand and expedite apprenticeship programs in Iowa. Iowa Workforce Development will use the grant to help integrate apprenticeships into education and workforce systems, conduct outreach, work with employers to start new apprenticeship programs, and promote greater inclusion and diversity. The grant was part of $10.4 million awarded nationally in a bipartisan congressional effort to appropriate funds specifically for apprenticeships. IWD Director Beth Townsend said work is already underway to expand registered apprenticeships in Iowa.