INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Gov. Mike Braun announced $9.1 million in federal grants Wednesday aimed at expanding registered apprenticeship programs across Indiana and helping formerly incarcerated adults reenter the workforce. The funding includes a $4 million grant from the U.S. Department of L abor to enhance apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing, an industry state officials say is currently underserved by such programs. A portion of these funds will be used to support local workforce boards and apprenticeship navigators who engage with employers. Additionally, the Indiana Department of Workforce Development secured a $5.1 million RESTART grant to connect formerly incarcerated adults ages 25 and older with employment, training and registered apprenticeships in high-demand industries. About $4.3 million of the RESTART funds will be distributed to local workforce boards for direct training, supportive services and employer incentives. “With these new grants, my administration will continue developing Indiana’s tremendous workforce, preparing them for the careers of the future,” Braun said in a release. The reentry funding aligns with an executive order the governor signed last year aimed at reducing the state’s recidivism rate by improving paths for reentry. Indiana currently ranks second in the nation for apprenticeships per capita. According to Indiana Commerce Secretary Chuck Goodrich, the state has added nearly 14,000 new apprentices since Braun took office. ...read more read less