Specifications include, but are not limited to: Harris County is seeking qualified vendors to 1) create and/or expand opportunities for the US Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs) in traditional and high growth emerging industries within Harris County that are geared towards creating access to opportunities with a focus on the following target populations: underemployed, unemployed, dislocated workers, opportunity youth, people of color, women, and those without college degrees and 2) provide wraparound support services that increases apprenticeship program completion, placement and retention rates. The purpose of this investment is to increase apprenticeship opportunities by expanding occupational training programs and/or apprentice slots, establish new apprenticeship opportunities, and engage in the apprenticeship systems for apprentice support and success.; Service Offerings 1: Expand apprenticeship opportunities in high demand and/or growth industries in Harris County in one or more of the following ways; 1. Plan to expand apprenticeship occupations such as adding one, or ideally more than one, new occupation to existing apprenticeships programs.; 2. Plan to expand apprenticeships opportunities, such as adding apprentice slots in Harris County to existing apprenticeship programs that may or may not currently exist within the region.; 3. Plan to expand apprentice skills to meet the changing needs of the industry that requires transitioning to new technology for the industry.; Service Offerings 2: Create new apprenticeship opportunities in high growth emerging industries in Harris County that do not currently have apprenticeship programs established. Proposed programs should include: 1. Establishing an apprenticeship program, including completing US DOL apprenticeship registration paperwork, and develop acceptable apprenticeship standards and curriculum.; For Service Offerings 1 and 2, the proposed programs must be tailored to serve Harris County residents disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and its economic impacts. Target residents are those underemployed, unemployed, dislocated worker, opportunity youth, people of color, women, and those without a college degree.; Service Offerings 3: Apprentice Support and Success. Proposals should consider how vendors would: 1. Demonstrate the level of apprentice/student support and dedicated resources that will be provided to address and mitigate barriers to employment and training success. This includes, but is not limited to: a. Pre-apprenticeship training into targeted sectors: i. Confirmation through letters of agreement/support that demonstrate a pathway into a career pipeline through letters of agreement from existing relationships with apprenticeship programs and/or employers.; ii. Demonstrate a plan to develop curricula and implement proven instruction models for apprentices that ensure effective learning and skill attainment relating to adult basic education (e.g., math and algebra skills, problem-solving skills) and English Language Learners (ELL).; b. Apprenticeship Tuition Costs (if costs incurred by apprentices).; c. Case Management.; d. Apprenticeship Placement; e. Mentorship.; f. Retention Services.; 2. Demonstrate a plan to provide financial assistance and wraparound support services for participants who need it.; a. Financial support that includes, but is not limited to food, transportation assistance, housing, utilities, and childcare assistance.; b. Demonstrate partnership(s) with apprenticeship program systems including intermediaries and/or employers, to provide apprentice support.
