Purpose

• Provide targeted funding to support apprenticeship readiness, with the goal of helping specific groups enter the building and construction industries.

Main Provisions

• Establishes a onetime appropriation of $400,000 in fiscal year 2026 and $400,000 in fiscal year 2027 from the workforce development fund.
• Money is appropriated to the commissioner of labor and industry to grant to Building Strong Communities Inc.
• Funds a statewide apprenticeship readiness program designed to prepare women, individuals who are Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), and veterans to enter the building and construction industries.

Financial Details

• Source: Workforce development fund
• Amounts: $400,000 in FY2026; $400,000 in FY2027
• Recipient and administration: Grant to Building Strong Communities Inc. from the commissioner of labor and industry
• Nature of funding: One-time appropriation

Implementation and Timeline

• Funding is provided for two fiscal years (FY2026 and FY2027) and described as a one-time appropriation.

Impact and Beneficiaries

• Primary beneficiaries: Women, BIPOC individuals, and veterans seeking careers in building and construction industries.
• Expected outcomes: Increased readiness for apprenticeship programs and greater entry into construction careers for the targeted groups.

Significance and Changes to Law

• Represents a targeted funding program through an appropriation rather than a broad, ongoing policy change.
• Establishes a specific, time-limited financial support mechanism for apprenticeship readiness.

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Relevant Terms apprenticeship readiness Building Strong Communities Inc. workforce development fund grant commissioner of labor and industry one-time appropriation FY2026 FY2027 women Black Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) veterans building and construction industries