The U.S. Department of Labor announced $43 million in Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants to seven states on Tuesday. The Employment and Training Administration will administer the funds, which provide outcome-based reimbursements to employers for training responsive to local workforce needs. This marks the second round of awards under the program.
What it means
The new funding expands a national initiative that has now invested more than $129 million across 21 states. The first round, awarded in September 2025, distributed more than $86 million to 14 states. Combined with the previous awards, over $30 million is designated specifically for the shipbuilding industry, with more than $10 million of this second round supporting domestic shipbuilding and maritime supply chain occupations.
Acting Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling said President Trump is restoring American manufacturing dominance in critical sectors. The grants target high-growth industries including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, infrastructure, cybersecurity, nuclear energy, building and construction, domestic mineral production, healthcare, information technology, and quantum computing. Employers receive reimbursements based on training outcomes that align with specific skill requirements.
Key facts
- $43 million: Total awarded in the second round of Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants.
- 7 states: Recipients of the second-round funding.
- $6,740,000: Award to Colorado Department of Labor and Employment.
- $6,740,000: Award to Indiana Department of Workforce Development.
- $6,740,517: Award to Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission.
- $6,740,000: Award to Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry.
- $6,740,000: Award to Washington Employment Security Department.
- $4,837,533: Award to Montana Department of Labor and Industry.
- $4,633,750: Award to Nebraska Department of Labor.
- More than $129 million: Total investment across both rounds in 21 states nationwide.
Source: U.S. Department of Labor news release