Specifications include, but are not limited to: DLR will establish agreements with industry intermediaries to promote the development, implementation, and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program opportunities in targeted industries. This Request for Proposal (RFP) will target awards to intermediaries who can support a coordinated, statewide investment strategy that aims to promote Registered Apprenticeship as a workforce solution. These statewide intermediaries establish partnerships between businesses in the industry, community organizations, training providers, and state agencies. An apprenticeship intermediary is an organization with the capacity, expertise, and network to coordinate with businesses in a specific industry to identify common workforce training needs. The intermediary then partners with training providers who can offer the related instruction to meet the industry’s needs. Based on this information, the intermediary will develop a RAP in compliance with U.S. DOL. They will then work with businesses who will hire the apprentices and provide the on-the-job training and training providers to provide the related instruction as outlined in the program standards. The intermediary will be responsible for reporting on behalf of the program to the U.S. DOL’s Office of Apprenticeship Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System (RAPIDS) database. With a goal to make this program available to as many businesses in the state as possible, expand RAPs within this industry, and build South Dakota’s workforce. Intermediaries are responsible for the development, implementation, quality, administration, and success of the programs they coordinate. Intermediaries are typically an organization that has a registered apprenticeship program with the U.S. DOL to serve as a “group sponsor”. Intermediaries make it possible for companies of all sizes and locations to offer apprenticeship programs and develop a quality workforce. Examples of possible intermediaries include: • Industry Associations and Business Organizations • Post-secondary Institutions • Non-Profit and Community-Based Organizations • Labor Management Partnerships • Economic Development Organizations
