Federal Grant Offers Manufacturers $6,000 Per Apprentice
Manufacturing employers that train apprentices can receive up to $6,000 each under the nearly $200 million program.
Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Jobs — General
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Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling announced a nearly $200 million federal grant for industrial apprenticeships, with $40 million earmarked for Florida businesses. Eligible manufacturing employers can receive up to $6,000 per apprentice they train.
Why it matters
The administration has pushed to return domestic manufacturing jobs by expanding apprenticeship programs, and the grant lowers the cost of training new workers for manufacturers. Operators in manufacturing who take on apprentices can offset part of that training expense.
The grant totals nearly $200 million, with $40 million earmarked for Florida businesses and up to $6,000 available per apprentice trained in manufacturing. The administration's target is 1 million apprentices nationwide by 2030.
The players
Keith Sonderling
U.S. Labor Secretary who announced the apprenticeship grant and oversees federal workforce and training policy.
FloridaCommerce
Florida state agency that will manage the $40 million earmarked for Florida businesses under the grant.
Premier Private Jets
Private aviation company headquartered at Witham Field in Stuart, Florida, where the grant announcement was made.
Henry Mack
Florida Commissioner of Education who supported the apprenticeship goal at the news conference.
The details
Eligible employers in manufacturing industries receive up to $6,000 per apprentice they train to help expand their workforce. FloridaCommerce will manage the Florida portion of the funding. The payment structure ties reimbursement to training activity, so employers that enroll apprentices can offset part of the cost of building their own skilled workforce.
Timeline
Oct. 2, 2026: Sonderling sworn into office as Labor Secretary.
Nov. 2, 2026: Grant announced at a news conference in Stuart, Florida.
2030: Target year for 1 million apprentices nationwide.
Market Landscape
The grant builds on the administration's national goal of 1 million apprentices by 2030 and its push to return domestic manufacturing jobs. It moves that policy from national targets into state-managed funding streams.
Manufacturers considering new hires should evaluate whether apprenticeship training makes sense, since payments of up to $6,000 per apprentice can offset training costs. Operators should confirm eligibility and application details with FloridaCommerce or the relevant federal program office, and consult a qualified accountant on how grant receipts are treated for tax purposes.
The takeaway
Track how the $6,000-per-apprentice payment is administered in your state, since state agencies will set the application process and timing. Manufacturers should map their upcoming hiring needs against apprenticeship options before grant funds are fully allocated.
Further reading
For broader context on hiring and training trends, see Jobs — General.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Tcpalm.
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