The U.S. Department of Labor announced Friday a $145 million funding opportunity aimed at expanding Registered Apprenticeship programs through a performance-based incentive model, targeting key industries to boost workforce skills.
The initiative, known as the Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program, will award up to five cooperative agreements over four years to organizations focused on growing new and existing apprenticeship programs.
“This groundbreaking federal program demonstrates the Trump Administration’s commitment to strengthening Registered Apprenticeships as the premier, high-quality solution to boost America’s skills development pipeline,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “Expanding Registered Apprenticeship opportunities will help even more American workers thrive in high-demand jobs and bring home paychecks they can be proud of.”
The program aligns with the Trump administration’s goal of reaching 1 million active apprentices nationwide, part of its broader America’s Talent Strategy. Targeted industries include shipbuilding and defense, artificial intelligence, semiconductors, nuclear energy infrastructure, information technology, healthcare, transportation and telecommunications.
The Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program expands on the recently announced American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, a $35.8 million initiative with Arkansas aimed at expanding high-quality Registered Apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing across the country. It also will facilitate funding for Registered Apprenticeships for small/mid-sized employers who might not otherwise pursue federal grant funds.
Author: Mario Lotmore
