Little Rock, Arkansas – Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders announced that the State of Arkansas has been awarded a $35.8 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor to lead the nationwide expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing. The award spans four years and is part of the newly created American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund.
Administered by the Arkansas Department of Commerce, this initiative establishes Arkansas as the sole national administrator of the new fund. The effort will support the creation, growth, and sustainability of high-quality Registered Apprenticeships across more than 120 advanced manufacturing occupations nationwide.
Investing in a Skilled American Workforce
Governor Sanders highlighted the importance of diverse career paths for young Americans. “Every pathway to career success looks different, whether it’s a four-year degree, military service, or gaining skills in a high-demand trade,” she 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.”
This effort aligns with national goals of strengthening U.S. manufacturing, building domestic production capacity, and expanding access to high-paying careers in the skilled trades. The initiative also contributes toward the broader objective of reaching and surpassing one million active apprentices in the U.S.
Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald emphasized Arkansas’ readiness for the role: “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. 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.”
High-Impact Sectors and Strategic Incentives
The Fund will directly benefit apprenticeship sponsors and employers in critical sectors such as aerospace and defense, automotive, biotechnology, semiconductors, shipbuilding, nuclear energy, supply chain, and automation. These industries are vital to national competitiveness and economic security.
A performance-based funding model will distribute more than 90 percent of the grant directly to eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors and employers. Under this structure, sponsors will receive $3,500 per apprentice after a successful 90-day probationary period, encouraging measurable growth in enrollment, retention, and program completion.
Cody Waits, Executive Director of Arkansas Workforce Connections, underscored the state’s progress in improving apprenticeship systems. “The Department of Labor’s confidence in Arkansas reflects years of work to streamline how apprenticeships operate and better align them with employer needs,” he stated. “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.”
Building on a Growing Workforce Strategy
This new national role builds upon existing workforce efforts like Arkansas LAUNCH, a free skills-based platform connecting job seekers to employment opportunities. Since its rollout, Arkansas LAUNCH has attracted nearly 12,000 users, with 125 employers posting close to 6,000 jobs and over 100,000 searches conducted across the state.
Arkansas was chosen for this national leadership position based on its proven ability to modernize apprenticeship systems, reduce burdens on employers, and scale programs effectively. Recent legislation officially designating Arkansas as a State Apprenticeship Agency further solidified the state’s qualifications.
Application Opens January 2026
The application portal for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund will open on January 28, 2026, with applications accepted on a rolling basis until the $35.8 million is fully distributed. Additional information about eligibility and the application process will be released in the coming weeks.
To support the national rollout, Arkansas will work with key industry partners such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, offering outreach and coordination support to states and employers nationwide.
