The U.S. Department of Labor has awarded nearly $162 million through five cooperative agreements to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs, with shipbuilding and the defense industrial base among the primary industries targeted for workforce growth.
Administered by the department's employment and training administration, the pay-for-performance incentive payments program ties federal funding to measurable apprenticeship outcomes. Registered apprenticeship sponsors will receive incentive payments as apprentices reach verified retention and progression milestones.
The department said the initiative supports the Trump administration's goal of surpassing 1 million active apprentices nationwide and aligns with executive order Restoring America's Maritime Dominance. The Labor Department said the program will prioritize expanding apprenticeship opportunities in shipbuilding and the defense industrial base as part of the administration's Maritime Action Plan.
Under the earn-while-you-learn model, apprentices receive paid on-the-job training while working toward industry-recognized credentials. The Labor Department said at least 85% of each grant award will flow directly to eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors across all states and territories.
Among the five awards, the Florida Department of Commerce received $40 million to lead a nationwide incentive program supporting apprenticeships in the defense industrial base, shipbuilding and maritime manufacturing sectors through a consortium led by the State Workforce Board and CareerSource Florida.
The remaining awards support apprenticeship expansion in other strategic industries, including artificial intelligence infrastructure, telecommunications, information technology, and automotive and truck service.
The Employment and Training Administration said it expects eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors to begin applying for incentive funding this fall after working with grant recipients to implement the program over the summer.
The Labor Department said the grantees will partner with national and regional industry associations and employers to expand apprenticeship capacity and strengthen the workforce pipeline for industries considered critical to U.S. economic and national security.
