The National Institute for Industry and Career Advancement (NIICA) has partnered with Jobs for the Future (JFF) to expand Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs across semiconductor manufacturing, superintelligence and nuclear energy infrastructure, as the United States seeks to strengthen its skilled workforce for strategically important industries.
The partnership will support the launch of the Super Intelligence, Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, administered by JFF under the U.S. Department of Labor’s (USDOL) Pay-for-Performance (PfP) Incentive Payments Program. The initiative will distribute $34 million in performance-based incentive payments to expand apprenticeship opportunities in occupations linked to critical infrastructure.
NIICA will serve as a national partner, supporting outreach and employer engagement while connecting apprenticeship sponsors and industry stakeholders with information about funding eligibility and participation opportunities.
The initiative forms part of the Trump administration’s broader effort to expand Registered Apprenticeships, with a national target of reaching and surpassing one million active apprentices. The funding model is designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain apprentices while reducing some of the financial barriers associated with workforce development.
Under the program, eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors can receive direct payments of up to $6,000 per apprentice, subject to performance requirements. The payments are intended to support the recruitment and retention of workers in occupations where demand for technical and skilled labour is growing.
Addressing Workforce Requirements in Critical Industries
The fund covers occupations associated with superintelligence, semiconductor manufacturing and nuclear energy infrastructure, including skilled trades and technical positions required to construct, operate and maintain critical facilities.
The focus reflects growing workforce requirements across industries supporting the US technology and energy infrastructure. Semiconductor manufacturing requires specialised technicians and skilled workers to operate production facilities and advanced equipment. Similarly, nuclear energy expansion depends on technical expertise and skilled trades across construction, operations and maintenance.
As investment in advanced computing and energy infrastructure increases, workforce availability has become an important consideration for industry expansion. Apprenticeship programmes offer employers a structured route to develop technical talent while providing workers with practical experience and employment pathways.
“Funding is only part of the equation. Employers need strong industry partnerships, practical workforce solutions, and clear pathways to develop and retain skilled talent,” said Mike Russo, president and CEO of NIICA.
He said the partnership would combine NIICA’s industry relationships and Registered Apprenticeship expertise with JFF’s role in administering the incentive fund.
Applications Open as JFF Schedules Information Session
Applications for the fund are open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the available funding is exhausted. Eligible apprenticeship sponsors can access information about approved occupations, eligibility requirements and application procedures through JFF.
JFF will host a virtual informational webinar on November 12, 2026, at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. The session will cover the fund’s structure, performance-based payment requirements and application process.
The initiative is financed entirely through federal funding from the USDOL under a total grant award of $40 million, with $34 million allocated for incentive payments.
