US Department of Labor launches Registered Apprenticeship incentive payments for high-growth industries

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor announced today that Registered Apprenticeship sponsors can begin applying for direct payments of up to $6,000 per apprentice through the Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program. The opening of applications follows President Trump's announcement on Friday in Daytona Beach, Florida, of the department's $40 million investment, led by the Florida Department of Commerce, to expand Registered Apprenticeships in shipbuilding and the defense industrial base, which is projected to lead to nearly 10,000 new apprentices over the next four years. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until all available funds have been obligated. To date, the department has invested nearly $200 million in pay-for-performance incentive funds.

In July, the department awarded nearly $162 million to five organizations to lead nationwide training programs for thousands of Americans seeking jobs in priority industry sectors including shipbuilding and the defense industrial base, super intelligence, semiconductor and nuclear energy infrastructure, telecommunications, information technology, and transportation. The funding will help employers hire and retain new apprentices, reduce barriers that limit employer participation, and fill in-demand jobs in these industries.

The Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program builds on the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, a $35.8 million cooperative agreement established to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing nationwide.

During a visit to Florida today, U.S. Secretary of Labor Keith Sonderling joined Rep. Brian Mast, Florida Education Commissioner Henry Mack, and Florida Commerce Deputy Secretary of Economic Development Jason Mahon to highlight the opening of applications and the positive impact these grants will have on Florida's workforce.

"The Trump Administration is committed to rapidly expanding Registered Apprenticeships as a core strategy to fill jobs in high-growth, high-demand industries," said Secretary Sonderling. "Delivering direct support to employers and other Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors is the fastest way to help skilled Americans enter the workforce while also strengthening our nation's economy."

Here's how each active incentive fund supports training and employment opportunities:

• American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund - The Arkansas Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services, administers this $35.8 million fund to support Registered Apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing. Sponsors with eligible occupations may receive up to $3,500 per new apprentice, with funding available for up to 200 apprentices per sponsor. Sponsors are required to provide employers with at least 90% of the total incentive fund payment they receive.

• Information Technology Apprenticeship Incentive Fund - The Trustees of Clark University administer this $27 million fund to support Registered Apprenticeships in information technology occupations. Sponsors with eligible occupations may receive a one-time incentive payment of $6,000 for each eligible new apprentice who remains employed for at least 90 days.

• Shipbuilding and Defense Industrial Base Apprenticeship Incentive Fund - The Florida Department of Commerce administers this $40 million fund to support Registered Apprenticeships in occupations tied to shipbuilding and the defense industrial base. Sponsors with eligible occupations may receive a baseline payment of $2,000 for each new apprentice who remains employed for at least 90 days, with payments of up to $6,000 available to Registered Apprenticeship sponsors that meet at least one strategic priority area.

• Super Intelligence, Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund - Jobs for the Future Inc. administers this $40 million fund, which supports Registered Apprenticeships in super intelligence, data centers, semiconductor fabrication, nuclear energy infrastructure, and quantum-related fields. Sponsors with eligible occupations may receive up to $6,000 per eligible new apprentice, paid in two installments: $3,750 after 90 days of retention, and $2,250 upon program completion or after 12 months, whichever occurs first.

• Telecommunication Apprenticeship Incentive Fund - The Wireless Infrastructure Association administers this $29.9 million fund to support Registered Apprenticeships in telecommunications occupations. Sponsors with eligible occupations may receive up to $6,000 per eligible new apprentice across three milestones: $1,500 after 90 days of retention, $2,500 upon completion of related technical instruction, and $2,000 upon successful completion of the program.

• Transportation Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Incentive Fund - The ASE Education Foundation administers this $25 million fund to support Registered Apprenticeships for automotive and truck service technicians. Sponsors with eligible occupations may receive $3,500 per apprentice, including an initial $2,500 payment at the 90-day retention benchmark and an additional $1,000 payment after nine months.

Find out which incentive fund is most appropriate for your skilled workforce development needs.

Learn more about the Pay-for-Performance awardees.