The importance of apprenticeships continues to grow across the country. New federal funding is providing states with more tools to meet workforce needs in both traditional trades and emerging industries.
The US Department of Labor announced in a press release nearly $84 million in grants to all 50 states and territories to expand and improve Registered Apprenticeship programs. This funding includes both the base formula and competitive grants, supporting a federal goal of reaching 1 million active apprentices nationwide. The initiative aims to increase program capacity, reduce barriers for employers, promote innovation, and align workforce development with key sectors like manufacturing, construction, AI, and maritime industries.
From the press release:
Registered Apprenticeships are a vital tool for skills development, national economic competitiveness, business growth, and individual opportunity. I am committed to providing states and territories with the resources needed to meet their unique economic demands, said US Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
Grants were awarded through the State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula, now in its third round, and support focused on enhancing the US apprenticeship system. Competitive funding was awarded to 10 states, including Georgia, Illinois, Maine, and Tennessee, each receiving around $5 million. The Texas Workforce Commission received the largest base grant at $2.8 million. Maryland received $1.07 million to support efforts to build and strengthen apprenticeship opportunities.
