American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund

Expanding Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeships Nationwide

The American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund is managed and operated by the Arkansas Department of Commerce, which is 100% funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor, totaling $35,800,000.00.
To address the urgent need to grow and modernize the U.S. manufacturing workforce and in direct response to the national call (White House Executive Order 14278) to expand access to high-quality registered apprenticeship programs, the Arkansas Department of Commerce will serve as the lead grantee and convener to establish the incentive fund that will support the expansion of advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeships nationwide.
Through this incentive funding model, Arkansas will motivate sponsors on a national scale to develop, expand, and/or join existing advanced manufacturing registered apprenticeship programs and hire apprentices.
Incentive funding will be distributed through a “pay for performance” model, where payments are linked to specific performance criteria or predefined outcomes. The incentive fund aims to stimulate innovation and reduce barriers that prevent sponsors from committing to registered apprenticeships, thus promoting program scale and sustainability.

Eligible incentive fund applicants include:

Individual registered apprenticeship program sponsors (i.e., apprenticeship programs operated by one business/employer for building its own skilled labor force); and
Group sponsors or consortia (i.e., apprenticeship programs operated by groups of employers, unions, industry intermediaries, trade associations, etc.).
Applicants may also refer to U.S. CFR § 29.2 for definitions of “Employer” and “Sponsor”.

The incentive fund supports apprenticeships across more than 120 advanced manufacturing occupations, including but not limited to:

When and How to Apply

The application portal will open on January 28, 2026. More information about how to create an account and access the portal is forthcoming. Check back here for a link to the portal.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 100% of available incentive funds are obligated.
Applicants will receive an automated message confirming the intake application was submitted.
During the initial pilot phase, funding limits may apply to maximize participation across sponsors and employers.

How the Incentive Fund Works

The American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund uses a pay-for-performance model that rewards measurable results.

$3,500 incentive per apprentice after successful completion of a 90-day probationary period
Incentives support newly enrolled apprentices, upskilled incumbent workers, and eligible former apprentices entering new advanced manufacturing programs
Sponsors receive incentive payments and are required to pass through the majority of funds to participating employers, reducing barriers to hiring and training apprentices

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions
List of Supported Occupations
Visit Apprenticeship.gov to learn more about registered apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing.

Contact

For questions, contact: