There has been a shortage of trained workers in the construction industry for years. This has caused delays and increased costs for organizations that wanted to make sure work was done properly by trained professionals. They knew that cutting corners and hiring unskilled workers would lead to poor quality work.
The need for skilled workers increased with government investments into infrastructure, including airports, bridges, roads, clean water, energy and manufacturing. Jobs programs connected to the American Rescue Plan, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the CHIPS and Science Act, and the Inflation Reduction Act are designed to train more people in the trades to address the shortage.
Grants for infrastructure projects
If your organization will be working on infrastructure projects, there may be grants available to help with labor costs. The government’s Apprenticeship Building America program is making “$113 million in grant funding available, including up to $50 million to support equity partnerships and pre-apprenticeship activities to increase enrollment in Registered Apprenticeship Programs.” Registered Apprenticeships are designed for anyone looking to start a career or make a career change as a pathway to the middle class.
Apprenticeship Building America program grants are available to eligible organizations, including nonprofits, labor organizations, public and state institutions of higher education, and county governments. These federal grant opportunities prioritize labor standards, community engagement, and union engagement.
Grant applications
Writing a good grant application is part of the process. Registered Apprenticeships are required for grants, so think about opportunities in your projects, such as:
- Industrial coatings for bridges, transportation hubs, water towers, and others structures
- Paint, wall coverings, drywall, glazing and flooring for building interiors
FSN can provide you with introductions to unions who can work with you to develop your grant application, improve your application score, and win more grants.
Contact FSN today to learn more at (410) 564-5876 or sales@FinishingSolutionsNetwork.com .
