Vice President Nephew read Resolution 854, authorizing the city to enter an agreement and accept up to $100,000 in funds from the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry to create a registered apprenticeship hub for the Northeast region in partnership with the Northeast Minnesota Office of Job Training.

A workforce representative described the grant’s background: it stems from a larger federal grant to the state to support apprenticeship advancement. Duluth workforce board members and staff participated in a technical assistance cohort in Saint Paul, which made the city eligible to apply for funds to bring apprenticeship-building resources to the Northeast region. The staff member said the work will include sharing information with employers, helping them develop apprenticeship programs and coordinating with the Department of Labor and Industry to complete registration.

The council recorded interest from Manager Foshay but no formal vote or outcome was recorded at the meeting.