Apprenticeships on the Move: Advancing Pennsylvania’s Workforce — Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I)

Pennsylvania L&I is making approximately $4 million available to develop new or expand existing Registered Apprenticeship and Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs. Applicants may request up to $249,999, with projects running from May 1, 2027 through April 30, 2030.

The opportunity targets employer-driven talent pipelines in agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, robotics and technology, education, healthcare, and skilled trades.

🔧 What it supports:
Funding can support apprenticeship/pre-apprenticeship development and expansion, on-the-job learning or paid work experience, related technical instruction (RTI), supportive services, partnership development, and activities that address barriers to participation. Funding is reimbursement-based.

🎯 Key focus areas include:
Priority consideration is available for previously unfunded initiatives; OJL/RTI and supportive services; group apprenticeship or multi-county pre-apprenticeship models; historically underserved populations; physical and digital accessibility; and projects demonstrating collaboration with labor unions.

Strong proposals must demonstrate employer/workforce need, measurable outcomes, cross-sector partnerships, sustainability, and alignment with Pennsylvania’s workforce and economic development priorities. For apprenticeship programs, the state intends for 80% of participants to remain active or complete; pre-apprenticeship programs must target at least 30% matriculation into an affiliated Registered Apprenticeship.

💡 Why it matters:
This is a significant workforce funding opportunity for organizations looking to build durable, employer-connected pathways into quality careers. The emphasis on supportive services, underserved populations, multi-employer models, and sustainability creates room for partnerships that address both talent shortages and barriers to economic mobility.

📌 How to apply:
Applications are due October 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET and must be emailed to ATOGrants@pa.gov using the required application package. Non-LWDB applicants must also notify their Local Workforce Development Board and include that email with the application. Applicants should review the full NGA, required templates, scoring criteria, Pennsylvania Vendor ID requirements, and Workforce Grant Agreement before submitting.

👥 Who should consider this:
Businesses, community-based and nonprofit organizations, economic development organizations, industry associations, labor organizations, local education agencies, workforce development boards, postsecondary institutions, public libraries, STEM ecosystems, and apprenticeship sponsors or intermediaries operating in Pennsylvania.

Considering an application? The New Growth Team can help assess grant fit, develop an employer-driven workforce strategy, and provide grant writing support to build a competitive proposal. Reach out for a quick conversation about positioning your project for this opportunity.