JFF Awarded $40 Million by U.S. Department of Labor Program to Expand Registered Apprenticeship Nationwide

Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit focused on transforming the U.S. education and workforce systems, has been selected as one of five recipients for the U.S. Department of Labor's Pay-for-Performance (PfP) Incentive Payments Program. The award, totaling $40 million, aims to expand Registered Apprenticeship nationally in high-demand sectors, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, semiconductor, and nuclear energy infrastructure.

The initiative, which will span four years, will see JFF and its partners develop apprenticeship programs that address the skilled workforce needs of critical industries. Maria Flynn, president and CEO of JFF, stated, "Building the infrastructure behind AI, semiconductors, and nuclear energy will require a skilled workforce that can grow just as quickly, and Registered Apprenticeship is one of the most effective ways to make that happen."

With projections from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics indicating an annual shortage of skilled tradespeople approaching half a million over the next decade, the expansion of registered apprenticeships is increasingly urgent. Despite the strong demand in areas such as semiconductor and nuclear infrastructure, there are few registered apprentices in these fields. Apprenticeships provide a solution by offering paid training and a pathway to quality jobs, while also ensuring employers have access to necessary talent.

The Pay-for-Performance model is intended to facilitate the transition from interest to implementation of apprenticeship programs. By linking performance-based incentives to outcomes such as hiring, retention, and advancement of apprentices, the initiative aims to swiftly expand apprenticeship opportunities in sectors facing the highest demand for skilled labor.

JFF will lead a consortium of eight partners, which includes organizations such as Apprenticeship Alliance, Inc., Center for Energy Workforce Development, and the University of Cincinnati. This consortium will play a key role in engaging employers and sectors targeted by the program. As they proceed, JFF and its partners plan to offer support to Registered Apprenticeship sponsors across the country while sharing effective practices with the broader field.