BOSTON – November 03, 2026 -- Jobs for the Future (JFF) has launched a $40 million fund that pays Registered Apprenticeship sponsors up to $6,000 per new apprentice in the semiconductor, nuclear energy and "Super Intelligence" infrastructure sectors. The fund is financed 100% by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Fund targets 6,200 apprentices across more than 40 states over four years
The Super Intelligence (SI), Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund runs under the Labor Department's Pay-for-Performance (PfP) Incentive Payments Program. Over four years, it aims to support the hiring and retention of more than 6,200 apprentices and to expand apprenticeship opportunities across more than 40 states. It will also support the growth of new and existing Registered Apprenticeship programs.
The PfP program is one of the Trump administration's national initiatives to push active apprentices past one million.
Payments tie to hiring, retention and apprentice progress
Under the pay-for-performance model, sponsors receive direct payments tied to the hiring, retention and progress of apprentices. The payments are meant to reduce employer barriers and build talent pipelines for data centers, semiconductor fabrication facilities, and nuclear and energy sites.
JFF President and CEO Maria Flynn said Registered Apprenticeship gives employers "a proven way to develop skilled talent" while creating paid pathways to quality jobs.
JFF administers the fund with eight coalition partners
JFF will work with industry, sector and workforce partners to help sponsors launch or expand programs and hire apprentices. The partners are:
- Apprenticeship Alliance, Inc.
- Center for Energy Workforce Development
- Global Electronics Association
- Independent Electrical Contractors
- JobForward
- National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement
- NextFlex
- University of Cincinnati
Applications are open and reviewed on a rolling basis
Eligible sponsors of U.S.-based Registered Apprenticeship programs can apply now. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis while funds remain available. The fund is financed entirely with federal money under a total Labor Department grant award of $40 million.