Date: November 2026
The U.S. Department of Labor has officially opened application portals for the Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program. Registered Apprenticeship sponsors nationwide can now apply for direct incentive fund payments of up to $6,000 for each new apprentice.
This funding is designed to help employers hire and retain new apprentices, reduce barriers to employer participation, and fill in-demand jobs across critical sectors.
Key Program Details:
- Funding Amount: Up to $6,000 per new apprentice upon reaching verified retention and progression milestones.
- Eligible Industries: High-growth sectors including shipbuilding, the defense industrial base, Super Intelligence (SI), semiconductor and nuclear energy infrastructure, telecommunications, information technology, transportation, and advanced manufacturing.
- Application Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until 100% of available incentive funds are obligated.
How to Apply: Sponsors can apply now through the application portals. More information about each Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, application instructions, and the Sponsor FAQ are available on the Active Awards Page on Apprenticeship.gov.
Questions?
- For individual award inquiries, review the points of contact on the Apprenticeship.gov investments page.
- For general inquiries, contact the DOL directly at OA.CoopAgreements@dol.gov.