Economy Policy
U.S. Labor Dept. approves $98 million to expand pre-apprenticeships for young workers
Individual grants are expected to range between $1 million and $2 million, supporting a mix of academic instruction, occupational skills training and employment services.
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of $98 million in federal funding aimed at expanding education, occupational skills training and job services for young people through its YouthBuild Program, with a strong focus on preparing participants for pre-apprenticeships in high-demand industries.
The funding will support workforce pathways in sectors such as construction, advanced manufacturing, information technology and healthcare, targeting young people aged 16 to 24, particularly in communities where youth participation in the labor force remains low.
U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer said the investment reflects the administration’s broader workforce priorities.
“By investing $98 million through our YouthBuild Program, the Labor Department is opening up pathways to success for young Americans by providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in construction and emerging fields,” she said.
“The Trump Administration remains committed to building a skilled workforce that will drive our economy into the future.”
Administered by the Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration and supported under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the YouthBuild grants will fund approximately 57 projects nationwide.
Individual grants are expected to range between $1 million and $2 million, supporting a mix of academic instruction, occupational skills training and employment services.
The latest funding round aligns with the Trump administration’s America’s Talent Strategy and its goal of reaching and surpassing one million apprenticeships across the United States.
For the first time, the department has also set a specific performance target requiring a percentage of YouthBuild participants to enter a Registered Apprenticeship within one year of exiting the program.
The move is intended to strengthen partnerships between YouthBuild grantees and Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, ensuring clearer and faster transitions into long-term career pathways.
In a notable update, the program will also place a new emphasis on artificial intelligence education. Applicants will be required to incorporate AI literacy into the academic component of their programs, with additional encouragement to embed AI-related skills into occupational training where relevant.
The department said applications from charter schools and organizations partnering with educational institutions will receive priority consideration, particularly those aligned with the administration’s efforts to expand educational freedom and opportunity for families.
The funding announcement underscores a growing federal focus on blending traditional trades training with emerging technologies, as policymakers seek to equip the next generation of workers with skills that match the evolving demands of the U.S. economy.
Topics
Author
Loading...
Loading...