Idaho Governor Promotes Apprenticeships with Launch Event

Idaho’s apprenticeship programs were highlighted by Gov. Brad Little on Wednesday.

He also took the opportunity to promote one of his personal initiatives: the new Idaho Launch program for post-high school incentives.

“There are various paths to success,” stated Little on Wednesday during a proclamation ceremony in Meridian, where November was declared Idaho Apprenticeship Month. “We want more young Idahoans to pursue postsecondary education, and we have deliberately expanded opportunities beyond the traditional four-year college degree, including apprenticeships.”

Idaho currently provides approximately 2,400 apprenticeships, showing a 40% rise in the last three years, according to a news release from the Governor’s office on Wednesday.

Over the past five years, the state has invested more than $10 million in developing apprenticeship programs, and starting next year, an additional $75 million will be allocated to Launch.

Starting next summer, high school seniors can apply for Launch grants ranging up to $8,000, which can be used for two- or four-year college programs, career-technical education, or worker training programs. The grants will be distributed next year.