Aspyr's $4M grant boosts apprenticeships and skills-based hiring in Central Ohio
Aspyr, a SkillsFWD grantee and leader in workforce innovation, recently received a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor's Apprenticeship Building America (ABA) program to further develop and scale apprenticeship opportunities across Central Ohio.
We recently sat down with Jessica Weithman, Aspyr's director of apprenticeships, about how this new opportunity will impact the organization’s work and its broader goals of fostering skills-based hiring, economic mobility and a more inclusive workforce.
Funding will help establish The Apprenticeship Resource Hub of Central Ohio (ARHCO), a centralized system designed to simplify access to apprenticeships. ARHCO will provide employers with the technical assistance and financial incentives needed to adopt and sustain programs.
“This grant is a testament to our team's hard work and dedication. We’re eager to put it to good use,” said Weithman. “The process was rigorous and involved a comprehensive application that detailed our program’s goals, methodologies and expected outcomes.”
The $4 million grant will also enable Aspyr to deepen its outreach and inclusion efforts. "Funding will increase access to program enrollment by attracting and retaining underrepresented groups to ensure a more inclusive workforce," she said.
Aspyr is integrating Good Jobs Principles across its programs to ensure that apprenticeships provide hands-on skills and stable, high-quality jobs that contribute to workers' long-term success.
When asked about the focus on industries like healthcare, manufacturing and education, Weithman underscored the strategic nature of these choices. Based on labor market data and past performance, Aspyr targeted these industries to address areas essential to Ohio’s economy.
“Apprenticeship programs can support economic growth and ensure a steady supply of skilled professionals in our target industries,” said Weithman.
Aspyr's work with SkillsFWD plays a crucial role in advancing skills-based hiring. "By focusing on skills," Weithman added, "a wider range of candidates have more opportunities, including those who may not have had access to traditional higher education."
Through SkillsFWD, Aspyr is powering news modes of early career talent and employer matching by leveraging learning and employment records (LERs). Digital credentials document an individual's acquired skills and can help jobseekers transition from pre-apprenticeships to full apprenticeship programs.
Weithman believes that adding this transparency helps break down entry barriers and promotes workforce equity. “Workforce boards and training programs can leverage LERs to ensure a smoother, more efficient transition.”
Aspyr's efforts to expand apprenticeship opportunities align with SkillsFWD's mission to promote economic mobility, skills-based hiring and inclusive workforce growth. We look forward to Aspyr's ongoing impact in promoting a robust, skills-driven economy.