California Construction News staff writer
The U.S. Department of Labor has announced $98 million in funding for pre-apprenticeship programs in high-demand industries including construction.
The grants are being distributed through the department’s Youth Build Program, which targets young people ages 16 to 24 in communities where youth unemployment is high. Funding will provide participants with academic support, occupational skills training, and employment services, with a goal of helping them enter Registered Apprenticeships within one year of program completion.
“By investing $98 million through our YouthBuild Program, the Labor Department is opening up pathways to success for young Americans by providing them with opportunities to gain hands-on experience in construction and emerging fields,” said U.S. Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer.
The program is part of America’s Talent Strategy, which aims to surpass 1 million apprenticeships nationwide. For the first time, the department has established a target for the percentage of YouthBuild participants who transition into Registered Apprenticeships, ensuring that funded programs have strong partnerships with apprenticeship sponsors.
The grants, ranging from $1 million to $2 million each, will fund about 57 organizations across the country. Programs are also encouraged to incorporate artificial intelligence literacy into their educational components and occupational training.
Applications from charter schools and other organizations partnering with educational institutions supporting the Trump administration’s efforts to expand educational freedom and opportunity for families will receive priority from the department.
Learn more about the YouthBuild Funding Opportunity.
Applications are being accepted through the department’s Employment and Training Administration, in line with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
