On Dec. 30, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor announced the availability of $98 million in funding through its YouthBuild Program to support pre-apprenticeships in high-demand industries, including construction.

Funded projects are intended to provide education, occupational skills training and employment services to young people ages 16 to 24 and strengthen connections to registered apprenticeship programs, or RAPs. Programs must offer construction training and hands-on experience building affordable housing. Programs may include a “Construction Plus” component providing training in other industries as long as the construction requirements are met.

The announcement also notes a new emphasis on outcomes, setting a goal for the percentage of participants that enter a RAP within one year of exiting the YouthBuild program. The grant also incorporates a new requirement for applicants to incorporate artificial intelligence literacy into the education component.

The DOL expects to award 60 grants ranging from $1-$2 million. Applications are due March 2, 2026.

Learn more about YouthBuild on the DOL’s website.