ADVANCING WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT IN CRITICAL INDUSTRIES
New funding to expand Registered Apprenticeship
We're partnering with Jobs for the Future (JFF) to support outreach and employer engagement for a new federal incentive fund designed to expand Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) in Super Intelligence, semiconductor, and nuclear energy infrastructure.
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About the Fund
The Super Intelligence, Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund will distribute $34 million in incentives to support the creation of new and expansion of existing RA programs in these priority industries.
Administered by JFF as part of the U.S. Department of Labor's Pay-for-Performance (PfP) Incentive Payments Program, the fund offers eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors the opportunity to receive direct payments of up to $6,000 per eligible new apprentice. As a national partner, NIICA is helping connect employers, apprenticeship sponsors, and workforce organizations with information and resources related to the opportunity.
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Priority Industries
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Super Intelligence
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Semiconductor
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Nuclear energy infrastructure
The fund supports approved occupations across these industries, including building, construction, electrical, maintenance, and technical roles associated with critical infrastructure.
UPCOMING WEBINAR
Learn More About the Apprenticeship Incentive Fund
Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 2:00 p.m. ET | Virtual
JFF is hosting an informational webinar covering fund eligibility, performance-based incentive payments, and the application process. Whether you're a RA sponsor or work with employers who may benefit, we encourage you to attend.
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Who May Be Eligible?
The fund is intended for eligible Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or a recognized State Apprenticeship Agency. This may include individual, group, and intermediary sponsors.
JFF's published eligibility criteria include:
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Sponsoring an eligible Registered Apprenticeship program operating in one or more of the fund's priority industries.
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Training apprentices in occupations on JFF's approved occupation list.
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Meeting the substantial growth threshold for an approved occupation, when applicable. Being eligible to receive federal funds and not being suspended or debarred.
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Meeting applicable apprentice enrollment, employment, and payment milestone requirements.
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Operating in the United States.
The fund primarily supports newly enrolled apprentices, including those enrolled after July 1, 2026. Other qualifying apprentice categories are subject to JFF's final program guidance.
These are general eligibility considerations, not a complete determination of eligibility. Applicants should review JFF's official program guidance before applying.
Planning to Apply? Please Select NIICA as Your Referral Source.
If you learned about the opportunity through NIICA or its outreach, please select NIICA as your referral source when completing your application through JFF. This helps NIICA track referrals and coordinate follow-up with interested organizations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can employers apply directly?
The fund is designed for eligible RA program sponsors. Employers may participate as sponsors or through an eligible sponsor structure. Whether an employer may apply directly depends on its sponsorship status and program requirements.
Are incentive payments guaranteed?
No. Eligibility, payment milestones, documentation requirements, and available funding determine whether incentive payments may be awarded.
What if an occupation isn't on the approved list?
Sponsors should contact JFF through its official contact form for guidance on requesting an occupation review before applying for an unlisted occupation.
How can I connect with JFF if I have questions?
You can fill out JFF’s contact form, and they will be in touch with you to follow up on your questions.
Does NIICA administer the fund?
No. JFF administers the fund and manages applications and eligibility reviews. NIICA supports industry outreach and employer engagement.
Where can I find the latest requirements?
JFF maintains the official fund information, eligibility criteria, approved occupation list, sponsor FAQ, and application instructions. View JFF's program resources.
Questions? Connect with NIICA
For questions about NIICA's involvement or to discuss the opportunity with our team, contact:
Robert Weinman,
Director of Workforce Innovation
For official program eligibility and application assistance, please refer to JFF's resources.