U.S. Department of Labor Unveils $30M in Grants to Train Workers for High-Demand and Emerging Industries

$30 Million in Grants Available to Boost Workforce Skills in Key Industries

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor has announced the availability of up to $30 million in funding thru the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grant program. This initiative aims to accelerate workforce innovation and address critical skill gaps across the nation.

Administered by the Employment and Training Administration (ETA), these grants will provide outcome-based reimbursements to employers who invest in training programs within high-demand and emerging industries. The program directly supports President Trump’s Executive Orders 14278 (Preparing Americans for High-Paying Skilled Trade Jobs of the Future), 14629 (Restoring America’s Maritime Dominance), and the America’s AI Action Plan.

“The Industry-driven Skills Training Fund grants will ensure employers drive workforce training that is critical for their business needs,while also upskilling workers and developing a critical talent pipeline,” stated Secretary of Labor Lori Chavez-DeRemer. “These grant opportunities will help fill the good-paying, in-demand jobs being created by President trump’s accomplished efforts to restore America as the world’s leading manufacturing superpower and secure our position as the dominant global leader in AI.”

Grant Details

State Workforce Agencies are eligible to apply for grants of up to $8 million. These funds will be used to establish and administer training funds that incentivize businesses to develop and expand innovative training programs for both new and existing employees.

Priority Industries

The grants will prioritize training in the following key sectors:

• Artificial Intelligence Infrastructure
• Advanced Manufacturing
• Nuclear Energy
• domestic Mineral Production
• Data Technology

Additionally, at least $5 million will be dedicated to building a skilled workforce for the shipbuilding industry.

The Department of Labor anticipates additional rounds of grants depending on funding availability.

How to Apply

Interested State Workforce Agencies can find more information and apply for the 2025 Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grant at Grants.gov.

What specific industries are targeted for workforce advancement thru the $30 million in Department of Labor grants?

Funding Breakdown & Key Focus Areas

The U.S.Department of Labor recently announced a significant investment of $30 million in grants aimed at bolstering workforce development programs. These grants, distributed through the Workforce Innovation Fund, are specifically designed to equip American workers with the skills needed to thrive in high-demand and emerging industries. The initiative directly addresses the skills gap prevalent in sectors experiencing rapid technological advancements and economic shifts.

Here’s a breakdown of the key areas receiving funding:

Advanced Manufacturing: Supporting training in areas like robotics,CNC machining,and 3D printing.

Clean Energy: Focusing on skills for solar installation, wind turbine technology, and energy efficiency.

Details Technology (IT): Investing in cybersecurity, data science, cloud computing, and software development training.

Healthcare: Expanding training programs for registered nurses, medical assistants, and home health aides.

Biotechnology: Funding initiatives to develop a skilled workforce in biomanufacturing and research.

Grant Details & Eligibility

These grants aren’t simply handouts; thay’re strategic investments in partnerships between community colleges, trade schools, employers, and workforce development boards. The funding will support a variety of training models, including:

1. Registered Apprenticeships: Combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction.
2. Industry-Recognized Credentials: Providing workers with certifications that demonstrate thier skills to employers. (e.g., CompTIA, AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner)
3. Skills-Based Training: Focusing on specific, in-demand skills rather than traditional degree requirements.
4. Pre-Apprenticeship Programs: Preparing individuals for entry into registered apprenticeships, especially those from underrepresented backgrounds.

Eligibility for these programs varies depending on the specific grant and the administering organization. However, generally, the programs prioritize:

Dislocated workers: Individuals who have lost their jobs through no fault of their own.

Unemployed Individuals: Those actively seeking employment.

Incumbent Workers: Employees looking to upskill or reskill to remain competitive in their current roles.

Individuals from Underserved Communities: Targeting populations facing barriers to employment.

Impact on Emerging Industries: A Closer Look

The grants are particularly impactful for emerging industries facing acute skills shortages. Let’s examine a few examples:

Cybersecurity Training Initiatives

The demand for cybersecurity professionals continues to surge, with a projected 3.4 million cybersecurity jobs unfilled globally by 2025 (Cybersecurity Ventures).The Department of Labor grants are funding programs to rapidly train individuals in areas like:

Network Security: Protecting computer networks from unauthorized access.

data Security: Safeguarding sensitive data from breaches and cyberattacks.

Incident Response: Responding to and mitigating cybersecurity incidents.

Ethical Hacking: Identifying vulnerabilities in systems to improve security.

The Rise of Data Science & AI Skills

Data science and artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming industries across the board. The grants are supporting training in:

Data analysis: Extracting insights from large datasets.

Machine Learning: Developing algorithms that allow computers to learn from data.

AI Development: Building and deploying AI-powered applications.

Data Visualization: Communicating data insights effectively.

Clean Energy Workforce Development

The transition to a clean energy economy requires a skilled workforce. Grant-funded programs are focusing on:

Solar Panel Installation & Maintenance: Installing and maintaining solar energy systems.

Wind Turbine Technician Training: Servicing and repairing wind turbines.

energy Auditing: Assessing energy efficiency in buildings and recommending improvements.

Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure: Installing and maintaining EV charging stations.

Benefits of Participating in Grant-Funded Programs

Participating in these Department of Labor-funded training programs offers numerous benefits:

Reduced or Eliminated Tuition Costs: Many programs are offered at little to no cost to participants.

*industry-Recognized Credentials