The U.S. Department of Labor announced it will distribute nearly $84 million in grants across all 50 states and territories to boost Registered Apprenticeship program capacity, marking a significant step toward the Trump Administration's goal of reaching one million active apprentices.

Since President Trump took office, more than 134,000 new apprentices have registered nationally. Today's funding represents the third round of State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula grants, combining base formula funding with competitive awards to help states serve, improve, and expand their apprenticeship offerings.

"Registered Apprenticeships are a vital tool for skills development, national economic competitiveness, business growth, and individual opportunity," said Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer. "They will become even more important as President Trump continues to create jobs in critical sectors like manufacturing and construction."

The investment aims to accelerate apprenticeship programs, incentivize new program creation, reduce barriers for employers and industries, foster innovation, and improve transparency among stakeholders. The funding supports several presidential executive orders focused on skilled trades, artificial intelligence education, maritime dominance, and nuclear industrial development.

Grant recipients will use the funds to expand apprenticeships in both traditional sectors like building trades and construction, as well as emerging fields including technology, artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, supply chain management, and transportation.

The initiative represents a key workforce development strategy as the administration works to address skills gaps in critical industries while providing Americans with pathways to high-paying careers that don't require traditional four-year degrees.