Federal and state programs that fund skilled trades training, apprenticeships, and workforce hiring, for workers and employers.
U.S. employers hiring from target groups including veterans, ex-felons, SNAP recipients, TANF recipients, vocational rehab referrals, and long-term unemployed workers.
ℹ Administered via IRS Form 8850. Claim at tax time.
Employers sponsoring or participating in DOL Registered Apprenticeship programs. Credit applies to qualified training wages and related costs.
ℹ Must be a registered apprenticeship program sponsor.
Employers hiring and training WIOA-eligible workers. Agreements arranged through your local American Job Center (workforce board).
ℹ Contact your local workforce board to set up an OJT agreement.
Adults 18+ who meet income or employment barriers. Funds approved training programs on the state ETPL (Eligible Training Provider List).
ℹ Apply through your local American Job Center.
Youth ages 14 to 24 who are low-income, basic skills deficient, in foster care, homeless, pregnant/parenting, offender status, or school dropout. In-school and out-of-school youth programs available.
ℹ At least 75% of WIOA Youth funds must serve out-of-school youth.
Students enrolling in approved short-term vocational programs of 150 to 600 clock hours at eligible community colleges and technical schools. No prior degree required.
ℹ Launches July 1, 2026. Programs must be on ETPL or approved by state.
Young adults 16 to 24 who are out of school and low-income. Participants build affordable housing, earn industry credentials, and get placed in apprenticeships or jobs.
ℹ 500+ program locations nationwide. Includes GED, NCCER, OSHA 10.
Youth ages 16 to 24 who are low-income. Over 100 campuses nationwide. Trades programs include electrical, HVAC, welding, carpentry, plumbing, and CDL.
ℹ Longest-running federal youth employment and training program.
Open to anyone meeting minimum age requirements (usually 18+, some trades 16+). Union and non-union programs available in all 50 states across 1,000+ occupations.
ℹ Nationally recognized credential upon completion.
Every state administers additional workforce funding on top of federal WIOA grants. Programs include incumbent worker training, rapid response grants, sector partnership funds, and more.
ℹ Contact your state workforce agency or local American Job Center for state-specific programs.