Federal grants would fund apprenticeships in health care, IT, and manufacturing

What does this do?

HR 1783 would create a federal grant program administered by the Department of Labor allowing states to apply for competitive funding to help cover apprenticeship training costs. Eligible expenses include tuition, fees, textbooks, equipment, and other materials. The program targets registered apprenticeships in fields where apprenticeships are currently uncommon, such as health care, information technology, and advanced manufacturing, and also supports pre-apprenticeship programs designed to prepare people for entry into a full apprenticeship.

Who does it affect?

People seeking to enter skilled trades or growing industries through earn-while-you-learn programs would be directly affected, along with employers, unions, schools, and community organizations that run apprenticeship programs. States would take on an administrative role in distributing the funds, and applicants must show a plan for reaching minorities, veterans, people with disabilities, and youth.

Why does it matter?

States that receive grants would be required to share costs, covering between 50 and 80 percent of training expenses themselves. Workers who benefit would receive help specifically with the classroom instruction portion of their training, which is typically required alongside on-the-job work in a registered apprenticeship.

What does it cost, and who pays?

• $15M authorized per year, 2026–2031
• Federal share is 20–50% of costs
• States pay the remaining 50–80%

Where does it stand?