The U.S. Department of Labor has announced $98 million in funding to support the development of pre-apprenticeship programs in high-demand industries such as construction, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and healthcare. This investment, provided through the YouthBuild Program, aims to create pathways for young Americans to gain hands-on experience and essential skills, helping to build a skilled workforce for the future.
The funding will provide academic support, occupational skills training, and employment services for youth aged 16 to 24, particularly in communities with low labor force participation. By focusing on practical training and career development, the initiative seeks to equip young people with the tools needed to succeed in emerging industries and high-demand job sectors.
Aligned with the Trump Administration’s America’s Talent Strategy, the program also sets a goal for the proportion of participants who enter a Registered Apprenticeship within one year of completing YouthBuild. This ensures that pre-apprenticeship programs maintain strong partnerships with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors and create high-quality, sustainable career pathways.
Administered by the Employment and Training Administration and supported by the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, the YouthBuild program will award approximately 57 grants, each ranging from $1 million to $2 million. The program also incorporates artificial intelligence education, requiring applicants to include AI literacy in their curricula and encouraging its integration into occupational skills training.
Applications from charter schools and organizations partnering with educational institutions are given priority, supporting the administration’s broader goal of expanding educational freedom and opportunity for families while strengthening youth workforce development nationwide.
