DOL Boosts Apprenticeship Funding with Focus on Untapped Talent
On June 30, the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) announced nearly $84 million in grants to all 50 states, as well as U.S. territories, to support and expand registered apprenticeship programs. These formula grants are part of an ongoing funding cycle aimed at increasing apprenticeship capacity to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.
In addition to the base funding, the DOL awarded competitive grants to several states to encourage innovative strategies for expanding apprenticeship opportunities. These competitive awards focus on reaching underserved populations and developing programs in emerging industries, highlighting the department’s focus on inclusive workforce development.
The formula grants, which states have anticipated as part of a planned multiyear effort, provide resources for supporting employers, training providers, and industry groups in scaling apprenticeship programs across sectors such as manufacturing, construction, health care, and information technology.