Arkansas to lead National Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship expansion
MoistureShield will expand its Springdale plant to double its manufacturing capacity.
The state of Arkansas has been awarded a four-year, $35.8 million cooperative agreement from the U.S. Department of Labor to lead a nationwide expansion of Registered Apprenticeship programs in advanced manufacturing through the newly established American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund.
Administered by the Arkansas Department of Commerce, the initiative positions Arkansas as the sole national administrator of the fund. Through this effort, Arkansas will support the creation, expansion, and long-term sustainability of high-quality Registered Apprenticeships in more than 120 advanced manufacturing occupations nationwide.
This initiative advances national workforce priorities focused on preparing Americans for high-paying, in-demand skilled trade careers, strengthening domestic manufacturing capacity, and rebuilding critical industrial sectors — while supporting the goal of reaching and surpassing one million active apprentices across the country.
“Every pathway to career success looks different, whether it’s a four-year degree, military service, or gaining skills in a high-demand trade,” said Gov. Sarah Sanders. “President Trump understands that strong apprenticeship programs are essential to equipping a skilled American workforce, and this new apprenticeship program allows Arkansas to lead the way. Arkansas’ economy can rival any state’s in the nation because we’re invested in our education and workforce, and we look forward to adding this new initiative to the resources Arkansas’ young people can use to invest in their career and future.”
The fund will support apprenticeships across key advanced manufacturing sectors, including aerospace and defense, automotive, biotechnology, shipbuilding, supply chain and automation, nuclear energy, and semiconductors — industries critical to national competitiveness, economic security, and domestic production.
Arkansas was selected based on its demonstrated ability to modernize apprenticeship systems, reduce administrative barriers for employers, and scale Registered Apprenticeship adoption. Recent state legislation designating Arkansas as a State Apprenticeship Agency further strengthened the state’s capacity to lead this national effort.
“Advanced manufacturing plays a critical role in the nation’s economy, and a highly skilled, trained workforce is essential to sustaining growth and innovation in this sector. We’ve seen registered apprenticeships deliver results across industries in Arkansas, and we’re well positioned to help drive the expansion of advanced manufacturing apprenticeships nationwide,” said Arkansas Commerce Secretary Hugh McDonald.
More than 90% of the fund will be distributed directly to eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors and manufacturing employers through a pay-for-performance model. Sponsors will receive $3,500 per apprentice following successful completion of a 90-day probationary period — incentivizing measurable growth in apprentice enrollment, retention, and completion.
To accelerate nationwide implementation, Arkansas will coordinate with national partners, including the National Association of State Workforce Agencies, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, and other industry and workforce organizations to provide outreach, technical assistance, and cross-state coordination.
The application portal for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund is scheduled to open January 28, 2026, with applications accepted on a rolling basis until available funds are fully obligated. Additional details on eligibility and the application process will be released ahead of the launch.
“The Department of Labor’s confidence in Arkansas reflects years of work to streamline how apprenticeships operate and better align them with employer needs,” said Cody Waits, Executive Director of Arkansas Workforce Connections within the Department of Commerce. “We’re proud to bring that approach to the national stage and help manufacturers across the country build the skilled workforce they need to compete.”