DOL Offers $98 Million to Expand Youth Pre-Apprenticeship Programs -- Occupational Health & Safety

DOL Offers $98 Million to Expand Youth Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Funding through the YouthBuild program aims to prepare young people ages 16–24 for careers in construction, manufacturing, IT and health care through training and apprenticeship pathways.

By Stasia DeMarco
Jan 05, 2026

The U.S. Department of Labor is allocating $98 million to expand pre-apprenticeship programs, which aim to help young people enter high-demand industries.

The funding, offered through the YouthBuild program, is designed to support individuals aged 16 to 24 who are neither currently employed nor enrolled in school. Grants will support a combination of academic instruction, occupational skills training, and job placement services, with an emphasis on pathways into registered apprenticeships.

According to the Labor Department, the investment is intended to strengthen the future workforce by preparing participants for careers in sectors such as construction, advanced manufacturing, information technology, and health care.

Eligible organizations will be encouraged to align training with local labor market needs and partner with employers to provide hands-on experience. Additional information about the program is available at https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/youthbuild.

Applications for competitive grants are expected to open in early 2026.

About the Author

Stasia DeMarco is the Content Editor for OH&S.

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