Shapiro Administration Makes Funding Available to Increase Registered Apprenticeships in Pennsylvania

The 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro provides $3 million for the Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Grant Program.

Since being created by the Shapiro Administration in 2023, more than $11 million has been invested through FIT to help train over 1,200 apprentices and 63 pre-apprentices for rewarding careers in the Commonwealth.

The Department of Community and Economic Development is accepting applications through June 30, 2027, or until the program's funding is expended.

Harrisburg, PA - Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the department is accepting applications for Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Grant Program funding to help support and boost registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs at businesses across the Commonwealth.

Governor Josh Shapiro secured $3 million for FIT in the 2026-27 budget he signed on July 12, 2026.

"Programs like Foundations in Industry Training are key to a robust workforce and strong economy," said DCED Secretary Siger. "This $3 million secured by Governor Shapiro for FIT will help provide good-paying careers for Pennsylvanians that set them up for lifelong success. It's also an important investment in our businesses - increasing the pipeline of skilled workers through registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships fills their workforce needs and helps them thrive."

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry's Apprenticeship and Training Office oversees registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the Commonwealth. Registered apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing participants to earn while they learn and gain industry-recognized credentials while helping employers develop a skilled workforce. Since Governor Shapiro took office, more than 43,900 Pennsylvanians have participated in registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, with 170 new registered apprenticeship programs and 96 new registered pre-apprenticeship programs launched statewide.

"Registered apprenticeships are a proven way to connect Pennsylvanians with family-sustaining careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need," said Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker. "Governor Shapiro's continued investments in workforce development and programs like FIT are expanding opportunities for more Pennsylvanians to earn while they learn and strengthening Pennsylvania's economy."

The FIT Program provides funding to support Related Training Instruction (RTI) and other apprenticeship training costs by providing up to $3,000 per apprentice each academic year for up to three years. The program's focus is to increase apprenticeship availability to Pennsylvania employers by assisting them with talent recruitment and development of programs and training curriculums.

DCED is accepting applications through June 30, 2027, or until the FIT program's funding is expended.

Eligible applicants include single employers, employer consortiums, workforce development boards, economic development organizations, labor organizations, local career technical education institutions, Pennsylvania community colleges, and community organizations or associations who have a registered apprenticeship program with the Commonwealth's Apprenticeship and Training Office.

Governor Shapiro believes every Pennsylvanian should have the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed - and by cutting red tape and knocking down barriers to success, he's building a more competitive workforce for Pennsylvania's future.

Since FIT was created under Governor Shapiro's leadership in 2023, more than $11 million has been invested through the program to help train over 1,200 apprentices and 63 pre-apprentices.

Most recently, the Shapiro Administration awarded more than $2.8 million to support registered apprenticeship programs and increase availability for workforce training opportunities across the Commonwealth.

Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's communities, businesses, and workers and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.

For more information about the Foundations in Industry Training Grant Program or DCED, visit the agency's website, Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.

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