# DOL Awards $162M Apprenticeship Grants

The U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) awarded nearly **$162 million** through five cooperative agreements on July 7, 2026, to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs across critical industry sectors including shipbuilding, defense, telecommunications, IT, and automotive services. These performance-based incentive grants aim to support apprenticeship sponsors nationwide, advancing the goal of surpassing 1 million new active apprentices and addressing key national industrial workforce priorities.

- The awards were made under the Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program, emphasizing measurable outcomes for apprenticeship expansion.
- Procurement professionals should note the involvement of diverse awardees such as the Florida Department of Commerce and industry associations, indicating opportunities for partnerships and subcontracting.
- This initiative signals increased federal investment in workforce development tied to strategic industries, which may influence future contract requirements and funding priorities.
- Contractors and apprenticeship sponsors can leverage these grants to scale programs aligned with federal industrial and workforce goals, enhancing competitiveness for related government contracts.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Professional Services
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** July 08, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
- Employment and Training Administration (ETA)
- Florida Department of Commerce

### Vendors
- Florida Department of Commerce (awardee)
- Jobs for the Future Inc. (awardee)
- Wireless Infrastructure Association (awardee)
- The Trustees of Clark University (awardee)
- ASE Foundation (awardee)

### Key Quotes
> President Trump challenged us to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs that deliver real results for American workers and businesses, and that is exactly what this program does.
> — Keith Sonderling, Acting U.S. Secretary of Labor

### Sources
- [US Department of Labor awards $162M to expand Registered Apprenticeship through performance-based incentives in key industry sectors | U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20260707) - DOL