Project
Super Intelligence, Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund
Expanding Registered Apprenticeship across critical infrastructure industries, including Super Intelligence, semiconductor, and nuclear energy
November 2, 2026
At a Glance
Applications are open for the Super Intelligence (SI), Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, which will distribute $34 million in incentives to expand Registered Apprenticeship across the SI, semiconductor, and nuclear energy industries.
About the Fund
The Pay-for-Performance (PfP) Incentive Payments Program is one of the Trump administration’s national initiatives to grow Registered Apprenticeships toward the goal of reaching and surpassing one million active apprentices. Under a pay-for-performance model, Registered Apprenticeship sponsors can receive direct payments of up to $6,000 per apprentice to support the hiring and retention of new apprentices, reduce barriers for employers, and help train Americans for in-demand careers across priority industries nationwide.
Launched as part of the PfP Incentive Payments Program, the Super Intelligence (SI), Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund expands Registered Apprenticeship in roles that power the Super Intelligence, semiconductor, and nuclear energy industries—helping meet the urgent need for a skilled, modern workforce across these rapidly evolving sectors.
Super Intelligence
Semiconductor
Nuclear Energy
Registered Apprenticeship is an earn-while-you-learn model that helps employers develop a skilled, job-ready workforce, strengthen their talent pipelines, improve employee retention and advancement, and meet the evolving needs of the American economy. On average, employers realize a 44% return on investment in Registered Apprenticeship through increased productivity, reduced costs, and worker-driven innovation.
Applications for the SI, Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund are now open. Learn more about eligibility and the application process below.
How the Fund Works
The fund uses a pay-for-performance model that rewards creation of new or expansion of existing Registered Apprenticeship programs.
If an applicant meets the eligibility criteria (see below under “Who Can Apply?”) and is approved to receive incentive funds, incentive payments are tied to two apprentice milestones:
| Milestone | Payment |
|---|---|
| 90-day retention | $3,750 per apprentice |
| 12-month persistence or completion | $2,250 per apprentice |
| Total | Up to $6,000 per new apprentice |
Who Can Apply?
Eligible incentive fund applicants
You may be eligible to apply if ALL of the following are true:
✓ You sponsor a Registered Apprenticeship program.
- Please note: All applicants must meet what is called their “substantial growth threshold.” The substantial growth threshold is the enrollment number a sponsor’s occupation must exceed before newly enrolled apprentices become eligible for incentive payments. The SGT helps ensure that incentive funds support rapid growth in apprentice enrollment. For more information about the substantial growth threshold, read our FAQ.
✓ Your program hires apprentices in an eligible occupation.
✓ Your organization is eligible to receive federal funds.
✓ Your apprentices meet the payment requirements. Please read the FAQ for details about payment requirements.
✓ Your program operates in the United States.
Please see the FAQ for more details about funding eligibility.
Applicants may also refer to U.S. CFR § 29.2 for definitions of “Employer” and “Sponsor.”
Sectors and eligible occupations
The fund supports Registered Apprenticeships in three critical sectors:
- Super Intelligence
- Semiconductor
- Nuclear energy infrastructure
This includes the building, construction, electrical, and maintenance trades and technical roles that stand up and sustain these facilities (e.g., data centers, chip fabrication plants, and nuclear/energy sites), including but not limited to:
- Construction Managers
- Information Security Analysts
- Civil Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Electricians
- Millwrights
- Semiconductor Processing Technicians
- Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
See the full list of approved occupations. If you do not see a relevant occupation listed, sponsors can submit a justification for a new occupation via our contact form.
How to Apply
- Review eligibility criteria and approved list above.
- Gather documentation verifying that:
- Your program is registered and that it operates within one or more of the industries (Super Intelligence, semiconductor, and nuclear energy infrastructure)
- Your program includes the eligible occupations.
- Each apprentice is enrolled in an approved occupation and has met the reported payment milestone.
- To see a full list of acceptable documents, see our FAQ.
- Apply through our online application. Applicants will receive an automated message confirming the intake application was submitted.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the fund runs out. Applications are reviewed within 15 days of submission. Applicants should expect to hear back shortly thereafter.
Why Registered Apprenticeship?
Finding skilled talent is a growing challenge in critical, high-growth infrastructure industries such as Super Intelligence, semiconductors, and nuclear energy. Registered Apprenticeship gives employers another option: build the talent you need.
This proven earn-and-learn model combines paid, hands-on experience with targeted training to create pathways to quality jobs, while helping employers attract new talent, develop the skills their business needs, and build a workforce prepared for what’s next.
With Registered Apprenticeship, employers can:
- Expand their talent pipeline by reaching a wider range of candidates and hiring for potential.
- Develop the skills they need by tailoring training to specific roles, tools, and business needs.
- Improve retention and reduce costs through structured onboarding, skills development, and clear pathways for advancement.
- Build a future-ready workforce by helping employees develop new skills as technology and business needs evolve.
Our Partners
JFF administers the fund in collaboration with a coalition of leading national industry, sector, and workforce partners who drive outreach and employer engagement:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
For a more detailed FAQ, visit here.
How long will the fund be available?
The fund is open now and will remain open for four years or until all funds are allocated, whichever comes first. Sponsors should monitor this webpage and application portal for updates on current availability.
Who is eligible to apply?
Eligible applicants are Registered Apprenticeship program sponsors registered with USDOL or a recognized State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA). This may include individual sponsors, group sponsors, and intermediary sponsors.
To be eligible, applicants must:
- Sponsor a Registered Apprenticeship program registered or approved by USDOL or a recognized SAA operating within one or more of the following industries Super Intelligence (SI), semiconductor, nuclear energy.
- Train apprentices in an eligible occupation listed on JFF’s approved occupation list.
- Enroll new apprentices after July 1, 2026.
- Meet the substantial growth threshold requirement for an approved occupation, when applicable.
- Be eligible to receive federal funds and not be suspended or debarred.
- Demonstrate that the participating apprentices are currently employed and active in a Registered Apprenticeship program and meet the applicable payment milestone requirements.
- Operate in the United States.
Which apprentices may qualify for incentive payments?
Incentive payments are tied to eligible apprentices enrolled in a Registered Apprenticeship program and employed by the participating sponsor or by a participating employer. The fund is intended to support newly enrolled apprentices (enrolled after July 1, 2026) and other apprentice categories identified in the final program guidance.
Where can I find the approved occupation list?
The approved occupation list will be available through the fund website and application resources. Sponsors should review the list before applying and contact the program team if an occupation is not included or requires further review. To see the full list of occupations, click here.
What documentation will I need to provide?
Sponsors should be prepared to provide documentation supporting:
- Sponsor identity
- Contact information
- Employer Identification Number
- Registered Apprenticeship registration or approval
- Sponsor ID or other program identifiers, as applicable
- Apprentice enrollment and employment with the requesting sponsor
- The eligible occupation and applicable apprentice cohort
- The milestone being claimed and the date it was achieved
- Apprentice names and supporting milestone documentation
- Tax and banking information, including a W-9 and ACH authorization
- Any additional documentation requested during eligibility or payment review
What counts as the two payment milestones?
Sponsors may request incentive payments when an eligible apprentice reaches the required milestones:
- Payment 1: $3,750 after 90 days of retention
- Payment 2: $2,250 after 12 months of persistence or program completion, whichever comes first.
Together, the milestones provide up to $6,000 per eligible apprentice.
What is required of sponsors?
Sponsors are expected to:
- Maintain an eligible Registered Apprenticeship program.
- Enroll and employ eligible apprentices in approved occupations.
- Submit complete and accurate applications and payment requests.
- Maintain documentation supporting sponsor, apprentice, occupation, employment, and milestone eligibility.
- Provide accurate tax and banking information.
- Use incentive payments in accordance with the approved incentive plan, award terms, and applicable federal requirements.
- Respond promptly to requests for additional information.
- Support monitoring, reporting, and audit requirements.
- Notify the program of material changes that may affect eligibility or payment status.
The SI, Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund is financed 100% with federal funds from the U.S. Department of Labor under a total grant award of $40 million.