WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $162 million through five cooperative agreements to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs in shipbuilding, defense, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, telecommunications, information technology and automotive trades, tying federal funding to apprenticeship outcomes as the Trump administration seeks to grow the nation’s skilled workforce.
The department’s Employment and Training Administration will administer the Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program, under which funding will be distributed based on measurable milestones such as apprentice retention and progression.
The Labor Department indicated at least 85% of each award will flow directly to Registered Apprenticeship sponsors across states and U.S. territories.
“President Trump challenged us to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs that deliver real results for American workers and businesses,” Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling stated. “We are putting taxpayer dollars to work where they matter most, creating real jobs, real skills, and real opportunities in the industries that will define America’s future economic competitiveness.”
The department expects to work with recipients throughout the summer, with eligible apprenticeship sponsors anticipated to begin applying for incentive funding this fall.
Officials stated the initiative supports the administration’s goal of surpassing 1 million active apprentices nationwide and aligns with executive orders promoting skilled trades, artificial intelligence education, maritime industries and the domestic nuclear industrial base.
The five cooperative agreements include:
- Florida Department of Commerce: $40 million to expand apprenticeships in the defense industrial base, shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing through a nationwide consortium led by CareerSource Florida and the State Workforce Board.
- Jobs for the Future Inc.: $40 million to support apprenticeship growth in occupations supporting artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductors and nuclear energy.
- Wireless Infrastructure Association: $29.9 million to expand telecommunications apprenticeships through its national sponsor network.
- Trustees of Clark University: $27 million to establish a national initiative expanding information technology apprenticeships.
- ASE Foundation: $25 million to increase apprenticeship opportunities for automotive and truck service technicians by providing incentive payments to sponsors.
According to the department, recipients will partner with national and regional industry organizations, employers and other federally funded apprenticeship entities to expand training capacity, reduce duplication and strengthen workforce pipelines in industries identified as national priorities.
Support the local news that supports Chester County. MyChesCo delivers reliable, fact-based reporting and essential community resources—free for everyone. If you value that, click here to become a patron today.