Arkansas has been awarded a four-year, $35.8 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor to lead a nationwide expansion of registered apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing, the state announced Friday.
The new American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund aims to advance President Donald Trump’s executive orders on preparing Americans for skilled-trade jobs, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, and rebuilding critical industrial sectors. The program supports Trump’s goal of reaching and surpassing 1 million active apprentices nationwide.
The initiative positions Arkansas as the sole grantee and national administrator of the fund, the Arkansas Department of Commerce said in a news release. The program will support the creation, expansion and long-term sustainability of registered apprenticeships in more than 120 advanced manufacturing occupations, including aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, shipbuilding, semiconductors and nuclear energy.
The U.S. Department of Labor selected Arkansas based on the state’s demonstrated ability to modernize apprenticeship systems, reduce administrative barriers for employers, and scale registered apprenticeship adoption, according to the release.
“Advanced manufacturing plays a critical role in the nation’s economy, and a highly skilled, trained workforce is essential to sustaining growth and innovation in this sector,” Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald said. “We’ve seen registered apprenticeships deliver results across industries in Arkansas, and we’re well-positioned to help drive the expansion of advanced manufacturing apprenticeships nationwide.”
The fund establishes a pay-for-performance model, linking incentive payments to predefined outcomes. Sponsors and employers seeking to receive incentive funds must complete an application process to determine their eligibility. Those eligible will receive $3,500 per apprentice upon successful completion of a 90-day probationary period.
The model is designed to encourage measurable growth in apprentice enrollment, retention and completion.
“Every pathway to career success looks different, whether it’s a four-year degree, military service, or gaining skills in a high-demand trade,” Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders said. “President Trump understands that strong apprenticeship programs are essential to equipping a skilled American workforce, and this new apprenticeship program allows Arkansas to lead the way. Arkansas’ economy can rival any state’s in the nation because we’ve invested in our education and workforce, and we look forward to adding this new initiative to the resources Arkansas’ young people can use to invest in their career and future.”
The application portal for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund is scheduled to open Jan. 28. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are fully committed. Additional details on eligibility and the application process will be released ahead of the launch.
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