# DOL Opens Apprenticeship Incentives

The U.S. Department of Labor opened applications on November 2, 2026, for Registered Apprenticeship incentive payments of up to $6,000 per eligible apprentice. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are obligated. A $40 million fund for shipbuilding and the defense industrial base, administered by the Florida Department of Commerce, prioritizes sponsors whose apprentices enter eligible occupations and satisfy retention or other strategic-priority criteria. Related incentive funding covers IT, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, nuclear energy, telecommunications, and transportation.

- Apprenticeship sponsors and employers can assess whether their occupations and apprentice retention plans meet the program criteria and apply while funds remain available.
- The Florida-administered shipbuilding and defense fund creates a workforce-development opportunity for organizations supporting those sectors; payments range from $2,000 to **$6,000 per eligible apprentice**.
- Companies delivering apprenticeship training or serving as program sponsors may be able to use the incentives to support hiring and retention in the listed high-growth industries.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military, Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** November 03, 2026

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

### Vendors
- The Trustees of Clark University (fund administrator)
- Jobs for the Future Inc. (fund administrator)
- Wireless Infrastructure Association (fund administrator)
- ASE Education Foundation (fund administrator)

### Key Quotes
> Delivering direct support to employers and other Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors is the fastest way to help skilled Americans enter the workforce while also strengthening our nation’s economy.
> — Keith Sonderling, U.S. Secretary of Labor

### Sources
- [US Department of Labor launches Registered Apprenticeship incentive payments for high-growth industries | U.S. Department of Labor](https://www.dol.gov/newsroom/releases/eta/eta20261102) - DOL