Labor Department Awards $200 Million for Apprenticeships

Federal funding targets industrial apprenticeship programs, with $40 million earmarked for Florida businesses.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Jobs — General

Labor Department Awards $200 Million for Apprenticeships

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Should the federal government fund more apprenticeship programs to train workers?

Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling announced a nearly $200 million federal grant for industrial apprenticeships at a news conference in Stuart, Florida. Florida received $40 million of the total, managed by FloridaCommerce.

Why it matters

The administration has pushed to return domestic manufacturing jobs by expanding apprenticeship programs. Its stated goal is 1 million apprentices nationwide by 2030, and the grant is a step toward that target.

The federal grant totals nearly $200 million, with $40 million earmarked for Florida and up to $6,000 paid per apprentice by eligible manufacturing employers. The number of apprentices the Florida allocation will support has not been specified.

The players

Keith Sonderling

Sonderling is the U.S. Secretary of Labor, who was sworn into office on Oct. 2, 2026, and leads the department administering the apprenticeship grant.

FloridaCommerce

FloridaCommerce is the Florida state agency responsible for managing the $40 million apprenticeship funding earmarked for businesses in the state.

Henry Mack

Henry Mack is Florida's Commissioner of Education, who supported the apprenticeship goal at the news conference.

The details

Eligible employers in manufacturing industries can receive up to $6,000 for each apprentice they train to expand their workforce. FloridaCommerce will manage the Florida portion of the funding.

Oct. 2, 2026: Sonderling was sworn in as Labor Secretary.
Nov. 2, 2026: The grant was announced at a news conference at Premier Private Jets in Stuart, Florida.
2030: Target year for 1 million apprentices nationwide.

Jobs Strategy

The grant advances the administration's goal of 1 million apprentices nationwide by 2030, a target it has tied to returning domestic manufacturing jobs. Sonderling has said jobs affected by technology are expected to become more productive and see more hiring.

Manufacturing employers in Florida and elsewhere can receive up to $6,000 per apprentice they train, which may reduce the cost of building a skilled workforce. Workers interested in apprenticeships should watch for how the funds are rolled out through state programs.

The takeaway

Apprenticeships offer a funded route into skilled manufacturing work, and the per-apprentice payments give employers a financial reason to train. Readers in Florida can track how FloridaCommerce distributes its share of the grant.