“Every pathway to career success looks different, whether it’s a four-year degree, military service, or gaining skills in a high-demand trade,” says Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. “Strong apprenticeship programs are essential to equipping a skilled American workforce, and this new apprenticeship program allows Arkansas to lead the way.”

The initiative positions Arkansas as the sole grantee and national administrator of the fund, which will support the creation, expansion and long-term sustainability of high-quality registered apprenticeships in more than 120 advanced manufacturing occupations, including aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, shipbuilding, semiconductors and nuclear energy.

The U.S. Department of Labor selected Arkansas based on the state’s ability to modernize apprenticeship systems, reduce administrative barriers for employers, and scale registered apprenticeship adoption. Recent state legislation establishing Arkansas as a state apprenticeship agency further strengthened the state’s capacity to lead this national effort.

The fund establishes a pay-for-performance model, linking incentive payments to predefined outcomes. Sponsors and employers seeking to receive incentive funds must complete an application process to determine their eligibility. Those eligible will receive $3,500 per apprentice upon successful completion of a 90-day probationary period, encouraging measurable growth in apprentice enrollment, retention, and completion. 

The application portal for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund is scheduled to open Jan. 28, 2026. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are fully obligated.