On Feb. 13, the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration announced a new funding opportunity of up to $145 million for organizations to administer a Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program aimed at expanding registered apprenticeship programs.

The ETA expects to award up to five cooperative agreements over a four-year period of performance, with applications due April 3, 2026.

The funding opportunity seeks applicants capable of creating and operating programs to provide incentive payments to registered apprenticeship program sponsors based on verified apprentice enrollment and growth.

The ETA is targeting four awards for apprenticeship expansion in industries including shipbuilding and defense, AI/semiconductor/nuclear energy infrastructure, information technology, health care, transportation and telecommunications. The ETA intends to make one award for a program to encourage apprenticeship across all industries, including construction.

The grant opportunity’s focus on infrastructure buildout and maintenance, including facilities like data centers, semiconductor fabrication sites and nuclear power, may be relevant to construction employers and apprenticeship sponsors supporting those projects.

Additionally, the ETA requires applicants to include at least one partner (including regional industry association and national/regional employers), meaning ABC chapters and member contractors may be eligible as potential association/employer partners to lead applicants.