Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that the State of 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 through the newly established American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund.
The initiative aligns with multiple Presidential Executive Orders aimed at strengthening America’s skilled-trade workforce, rebuilding domestic manufacturing, and surpassing one million active apprentices nationwide.
“Every pathway to career success looks different, whether it’s a four-year degree, military service, or gaining skills in a high-demand trade,” said Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “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.”
Arkansas will serve as the sole national administrator of the fund, which will support the creation, expansion, and long-term sustainability of high-quality registered apprenticeships across more than 120 advanced manufacturing occupations. These include aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, shipbuilding, semiconductors, nuclear energy, and other critical sectors essential to U.S. economic security and global competitiveness.
“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,” said Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald. “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 Department of Labor selected Arkansas based on its strong record of modernizing apprenticeship systems, reducing employer barriers, and scaling successful workforce models. Recent legislation establishing Arkansas as a State Apprenticeship Agency further strengthened its ability to lead this national initiative.
“The Department of Labor’s confidence in Arkansas reflects years of work to streamline how apprenticeships operate and better align them with employer needs,” said Cody Waits, Executive Director of Arkansas Workforce Connections. “We’re proud to bring that approach to the national stage and help manufacturers across the country build the skilled workforce they need to compete.”
The American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund will operate under a pay-for-performance model, awarding $3,500 per apprentice to eligible sponsors and employers once an apprentice completes a 90-day probationary period. The model encourages measurable growth in apprentice enrollment, retention, and completion.
The national application portal will open January 28, 2026, with applications accepted on a rolling basis until all funds are allocated. Additional eligibility and process details will be released prior to the launch.
For more information, visit Apprenticeship.gov or ArkansasOSD.com/MFGfund.
Direct inquiries may be sent to OSD.MFGfund@arkansas.gov
or 501-682-6546.
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