New York State Department of Labor has awarded Lifetime Assistance nearly $300,000 to support the growth of its apprenticeship program, marking a major investment in workforce development and career advancement opportunities for employees.

The funding announcement was made in recognition of National Apprenticeship Week, celebrated April 26 through May 2, 2026.

The grant will help strengthen workforce development efforts at Lifetime Assistance by creating meaningful career pathways for employees. The apprenticeship program is designed to support employees who are seeking to enhance their professional skills, develop leadership capabilities, increase financial stability and make a greater impact in their roles supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Lifetime Assistance has developed a unique apprenticeship model centered on a strong support system for participants. Each apprenticeship team includes the apprentice, on-site skills coaches, a dedicated mentor and a success coach, all working together to help ensure participant success.

“Though I have managed teams in the past in different capacities, I have never done so in the role as a DSP,” said Jahnyah Brooks, a DSP Supervisor Apprentice at Lifetime Assistance. “Through the apprenticeship program and with the guidelines of the four major competencies, my leadership and communication skills are constantly being honed. I am better prepared to be an effective leader for the DSPs I supervise, so they can give their best to the people we support.”