Pennsylvania Apprenticeships on the Move Grant 2026: Apply for Up to $249,999 to Expand Workforce Apprenticeship Programs

The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, through the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I), has announced the Apprenticeships on the Move: Advancing Pennsylvania’s Workforce Grant, a major workforce development funding opportunity designed to strengthen apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship pathways across the state.

Through this Notice of Grant Availability (NGA), approximately $4 million in state funding is available to eligible organizations seeking to develop new Registered Apprenticeship or Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs or expand existing registered programs in Pennsylvania.

Eligible applicants may request up to $249,999 to support projects that respond to employer workforce needs, build stronger talent pipelines, expand access to quality training, address barriers to employment, and create pathways into sustainable careers.

The initiative is particularly focused on high-priority sectors including agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, robotics and technology, education, healthcare, and skilled trades.

Applications for the Pennsylvania Apprenticeships on the Move Grant are due by October 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM Eastern Time. The anticipated grant performance period will run from May 1, 2027, through April 30, 2030.

Pennsylvania Apprenticeships on the Move Grant Overview

The Apprenticeships on the Move initiative is intended to support Pennsylvania’s long-term workforce and economic development objectives by increasing the number, accessibility, and effectiveness of Registered Apprenticeship and Registered Pre-Apprenticeship opportunities.

The program recognizes that employers across Pennsylvania are facing increasing demand for skilled workers while also dealing with retirements, workforce shortages, competition for talent, and the loss of institutional knowledge.

The grant therefore seeks to fund innovative approaches that connect employers, workforce organizations, education providers, labor organizations, community-based organizations, and other stakeholders to create sustainable workforce pipelines.

Under the opportunity, organizations can propose either:

1. Development of a new Registered Apprenticeship or Registered Pre-Apprenticeship program, or
2. Expansion of an existing Registered Apprenticeship or Registered Pre-Apprenticeship program.

Projects must operate within Pennsylvania and address workforce development needs in one or more of the eligible industry sectors identified by L&I.

How Much Funding Is Available?

Approximately $4,000,000 has been allocated for the Apprenticeships on the Move initiative.

Eligible applicants may request:

• Up to $249,999 per application
• Funding amounts aligned with the actual scope and needs of the proposed project
• Funding for eligible activities associated with developing or expanding apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs

The exact amount awarded will depend on the funding requested, the quality and competitiveness of applications, available funds, and the evaluation conducted by L&I.

Pennsylvania may also provide additional funding during the grant period if funds become available through deobligation of other awards. Supplemental funding is not guaranteed and will depend on factors such as grantee performance, demonstrated need, ability to spend additional funds effectively, and continued alignment with the objectives of the grant.

The grant is 100% state funded.

What Is the Main Purpose of the Apprenticeships on the Move Grant?

The central purpose of this grant is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce by supporting apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs that respond directly to employer and labor-market needs.

The initiative seeks to:

• Develop new Registered Apprenticeship programs.
• Develop new Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs.
• Expand existing registered apprenticeship programs.
• Expand existing registered pre-apprenticeship programs.
• Strengthen talent pipelines in high-demand industries.
• Increase access to apprenticeship opportunities.
• Help employers address workforce shortages.
• Provide individuals with skills and workplace experience.
• Support pathways to industry-recognized credentials.
• Address barriers preventing individuals from entering apprenticeship pathways.
• Increase participation among historically underserved and underrepresented populations.
• Encourage collaboration between employers, education providers, labor organizations, workforce boards, and community organizations.
• Strengthen Pennsylvania’s long-term economic development priorities.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate a clear connection between their proposed project and Pennsylvania’s workforce and economic development priorities, including Governor Shapiro’s Ten-Year Strategic Plan for Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Combined State Plan.

Who Can Apply for the Grant?

The opportunity is intended for organizations that can serve as sponsors or intermediaries for new or existing registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs in Pennsylvania.

Eligible organizations may include:

• Businesses
• Community-based organizations
• Economic development organizations
• Industry associations
• Labor organizations
• Local education agencies
• Local workforce development boards
• Nonprofit organizations
• Postsecondary institutions
• Public libraries
• STEM ecosystems

If an applicant is not the actual program sponsor, the application must provide significant evidence demonstrating that the program sponsor is an involved partner in the proposed project.

The organization must also have the capacity to coordinate and manage the project, administer the financial aspects of the grant, collect and report performance information, and work with an evaluator.

Two Types of Projects Can Be Funded

1. Development of a New Registered Apprenticeship or Pre-Apprenticeship Program

Organizations may apply to establish a new apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program that has not yet been registered at the beginning of the grant performance period.

The proposed program must ultimately be registered with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Awardees will have up to one year from the contract start date to finalize registration or demonstrate progress toward registration.

Grantees will be expected to establish and maintain communication with representatives of the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Office (ATO), which serves as the State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA), as they develop and register the program.

Organizations that fail to make adequate progress toward registration may have funds deobligated.

2. Expansion of an Existing Registered Program

Organizations may also apply to expand an existing Registered Apprenticeship or Registered Pre-Apprenticeship program that was already registered before the start of the grant performance period.

For purposes of this grant, expansion means an increase in the number of participants enrolled in the program.

Expansion does not include adding a new occupation to the existing program.

Organizations seeking to expand an existing program must ensure that the program sponsor remains compliant with applicable federal and Pennsylvania laws, regulations, policies, standards, and approved program standards.

Eligible Industry Sectors

The proposed apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program must operate within at least one of the sectors identified by Pennsylvania L&I.

Eligible sectors are:

Agriculture

Projects may address workforce needs associated with agricultural occupations and the broader agricultural economy.

Energy

Programs may develop talent pipelines for energy-related occupations and emerging workforce requirements in the energy sector.

Life Sciences

Organizations working to develop skilled talent for life sciences industries may submit proposals within this sector.

Manufacturing

Manufacturing remains a major focus of Pennsylvania’s workforce development strategy, and eligible projects may address skills shortages and talent pipeline needs within the sector.

Robotics and Technology

Programs focused on robotics, technology, and related occupations may qualify where they demonstrate clear workforce demand.

Education

Education-sector apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship initiatives may be eligible where they respond to identified workforce needs.

Healthcare

Healthcare workforce development projects may qualify under the healthcare sector.

Skilled Trades

The skilled trades category includes, but is not limited to:

• Construction
• Electrical work
• HVAC
• Steamfitting
• Fiber optics
• Telecommunications

Applicants must identify the applicable sector or sectors in their application and demonstrate how the proposed project addresses workforce development needs within those sectors.

Applications proposing programs outside the eligible sectors will be considered ineligible.

What Is a Registered Apprenticeship?

Registered Apprenticeship is a structured workforce development model that combines employment, training, mentorship, technical education, and recognized credentials.

According to the grant announcement, Registered Apprenticeships have five key components:

1. A paid job
2. On-the-job training
3. Related technical instruction
4. Mentorship
5. Credentials

This combination allows participants to gain practical work experience while developing technical and occupational skills.

For employers, apprenticeship programs can provide a structured way to develop and retain skilled workers. For participants, apprenticeships provide a pathway to earn wages while learning and working toward industry-recognized credentials.

What Is a Registered Pre-Apprenticeship?

Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs are designed to prepare individuals for entry into Registered Apprenticeship programs.

The grant identifies five core components of a registered pre-apprenticeship:

1. An established connection to at least one existing Registered Apprenticeship program.
2. Approved training and curriculum.
3. Hands-on learning through appropriate program designs and approaches.
4. An opportunity to earn an industry-recognized credential.
5. Access to support services and career counseling.

Pre-apprenticeship can therefore serve as an important bridge between education, workforce preparation, and formal apprenticeship.

Why Is Pennsylvania Investing in Apprenticeships?

Pennsylvania is experiencing workforce challenges driven by several factors.

Employers are facing shortages of skilled workers, increased competition for talent, and the retirement of experienced workers.

As experienced employees leave the workforce, organizations can lose decades of technical knowledge and operational expertise.

Registered Apprenticeship programs can help address this challenge by combining experienced-worker mentorship with structured training for new employees.

This allows organizations to facilitate knowledge transfer while preparing the next generation of workers.

Apprenticeships also provide workers with opportunities to earn wages while acquiring skills and credentials, making them an important pathway into family-sustaining careers.

Pennsylvania has historically used apprenticeship models in areas such as construction, manufacturing, and industrial occupations. The Commonwealth is now seeking to expand apprenticeship opportunities into sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, energy, life sciences, robotics, technology, and telecommunications.

What Should Successful Projects Demonstrate?

Applicants must clearly demonstrate that the proposed program responds to a real workforce need.

A strong application should provide evidence such as:

• Labor market information
• Employer demand
• Workforce shortage data
• Talent pipeline gaps
• Economic development information
• Information about the occupations being targeted
• The number of apprentices or pre-apprentices expected to be served
• Information about the geographic area to be served
• Evidence of employer involvement
• Evidence of stakeholder partnerships

The applicant must also explain how the project contributes to Pennsylvania’s broader workforce and economic development goals.

Priority Areas That Can Strengthen an Application

The grant provides priority consideration for proposals demonstrating certain characteristics.

Previously Unfunded Programs

Priority may be given to new initiatives that have not previously received funding, including initiatives developed by existing Registered Apprenticeship or Pre-Apprenticeship sponsors.

On-the-Job Learning, Related Technical Instruction and Supportive Services

Priority consideration may be given to:

• Registered Apprenticeship programs using grant funds to support on-the-job learning, related technical instruction, and supportive services.
• Pre-Apprenticeship programs using grant funds to support paid work experience, related technical instruction, and supportive services.

Applicants seeking this priority must reflect the relevant expenses in the applicable budget categories.

Group Apprenticeship Models and Multi-County Programs

Priority may be given to group Registered Apprenticeship models or pre-apprenticeship programs operating physically across multiple counties.

For multi-county pre-apprenticeship replication, the program must have physical operations in at least three counties.

Historically Underserved and Underrepresented Populations

Applicants are encouraged to develop diverse talent pipelines that expand apprenticeship access for groups that have historically been underrepresented or underserved.

These may include:

• Women
• People of color
• Individuals with disabilities
• Veterans
• Individuals from underserved or unserved communities
• Individuals who speak English as a second language
• Justice-impacted or adjudicated populations
• Individuals experiencing multiple barriers to employment

Applicants should explain how their programs will identify and address barriers to education, training, and employment.

Accessibility

Priority consideration may also be given to projects that design, create, adjust, or upgrade physical and digital environments and services to improve accessibility for apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship participants.

Labor Union Collaboration

Applications demonstrating meaningful collaboration with labor unions can receive priority consideration.

The labor union must either be the applicant or provide a letter of commitment explaining its specific role in the project.

Potential involvement could include:

• Serving as an affiliated Registered Apprenticeship sponsor.
• Supporting curriculum development.
• Supporting a Registered Pre-Apprenticeship program.
• Providing continuing support after the grant period.

Addressing Barriers to Apprenticeship Participation

A major component of the opportunity is the expectation that projects address barriers that prevent people from entering or completing apprenticeship pathways.

Applicants should consider barriers such as:

• Transportation challenges
• Basic skills deficiencies
• Socioeconomic limitations
• Program waitlists
• Program choice restrictions
• Workplace accessibility challenges
• Other barriers to education and employment

Projects that provide meaningful solutions to these challenges can strengthen access to apprenticeship opportunities.

Required Program Outcomes

Applicants are expected to propose measurable participant and program outcomes.

For new Registered Apprenticeship programs, the desired outcome is that 80% of participants either remain active apprentices or successfully complete the program.

For group apprenticeship models, the same 80% target applies to participants.

For Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs, applicants must establish targets for completion and transition into the affiliated Registered Apprenticeship program.

At least 30% of pre-apprentices who complete the program must matriculate into the affiliated Registered Apprenticeship program.

The same 30% matriculation requirement applies to eligible pre-apprenticeship programs being replicated across multiple counties.

Expansion projects are similarly expected to focus on participation, completion, retention, and progression into apprenticeship.

Performance Metrics

L&I will work with successful applicants to establish performance metrics during the grant period.

Applicants should propose measurable outputs and outcomes covering areas such as:

• Participant enrollment
• Participant demographics
• Continued participation
• Program completion
• Employer engagement
• Training provider engagement
• Apprentice and pre-apprentice participation
• Transition from pre-apprenticeship into apprenticeship
• Credentials obtained
• Participant wages
• Program impact
• Partnership activities

Projects should also track the average wage of apprentices at the time of program completion.

Grantees are expected to maintain secure, confidential, accurate, and complete participant records for verification and compliance purposes.

Grant Evaluation Criteria

Applications will be reviewed through an initial eligibility review followed by a merit-based evaluation.

To be considered for funding, an application must achieve at least 70% of the total available score, equivalent to 84 out of 120 points.

The evaluation structure is:

Evaluation Area	Points
Project Design and Management Plan	25
Performance Outcomes	15
Impact and Sustainability	15
Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership	15
Other Selection Factors/Priority Considerations	35
Budget and Budget Justification	15
Total	120

This scoring structure makes it important for applicants to address every evaluation category directly and provide evidence rather than relying on general descriptions.

Project Design and Management Plan

This section is worth 25 points.

Applicants should clearly explain:

• The workforce need being addressed.
• The population to be served.
• Employers involved.
• Occupations targeted.
• Geographic area covered.
• Relevant labor market information.
• Employer demand.
• Workforce shortages.
• Talent pipeline gaps.
• The number of apprentices or pre-apprentices to be served.
• How traditionally underserved populations will be reached.
• How the project aligns with Pennsylvania’s WIOA Combined State Plan.
• How the project aligns with Pennsylvania’s economic development priorities.
• The implementation timeline.
• Cohort start and completion dates.
• Key milestones.
• Registration steps.
• Long-term sustainability.
• Potential for scaling and replication.

Applicants must use the required timeline template in Appendix D.

Performance Outcomes

This category is worth 15 points.

Applicants must describe their intended outcomes and explain how those outcomes will be measured.

The application should include:

• Goals
• Services
• Expected outcomes
• Number of people to be served
• Performance indicators
• Enrollment targets
• Completion targets
• Employer engagement
• Training provider engagement
• Participant retention
• Wage outcomes

The Goals and Outcomes Table in Appendix E must be used as required.

Impact and Sustainability

This category is worth 15 points.

Applicants should explain how the project will contribute to the broader goals of the Apprenticeships on the Move initiative.

They should identify:

• Credentials participants will receive.
• Expected impact on participants.
• Expected impact on employers.
• Impact of partnerships.
• Data tracking and reporting capacity.
• Recruitment metrics.
• Participation metrics.
• Completion and accomplishment metrics.
• Long-term sustainability.

Applicants must also complete the Sustainability Plan in Appendix F.

The sustainability strategy should explain how the apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program will continue after the grant period ends.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

This section is worth 15 points.

Applicants should identify the organizations and stakeholders involved in the proposed project and clearly define their roles.

Potential partners may include:

• Employers
• Workforce development organizations
• Educational institutions
• Community-based organizations
• Labor organizations
• Economic development organizations
• Workforce boards
• Training providers

Applications should explain the responsibilities of each partner and demonstrate that the applicant has the capacity to coordinate the partnership effectively.

Key personnel should also be identified by name, along with their roles and contributions to the project.

Sector Diversity

Pennsylvania is also seeking diversity among funded sectors.

No more than three awards may be made to applications supporting the same industry sector, even where projects serve different geographic areas.

Applicants should therefore clearly identify the sector or sectors their project supports and explain how their proposal responds to workforce needs in that sector.

Budget Requirements

The proposed budget must be directly connected to the project narrative.

Applicants should provide:

• Detailed budget line items.
• Requested funds.
• Leveraged funds.
• Costs by category.
• Quantities.
• Unit costs where applicable.
• Detailed justification for expenditures.
• Explanation of how expenditures support project activities and deliverables.

Costs that are not discussed in the proposal should not appear in the budget.

Administrative costs may not exceed 10% of the total amount requested.

The budget must cover the entire performance period from May 1, 2027, to April 30, 2030.

Reimbursement-Based Funding

Applicants should understand that this grant does not operate as an upfront lump-sum payment.

Grant expenses are reimbursed after they have been incurred and documented.

Monthly invoices must be supported by appropriate documentation.

Organizations should therefore have sufficient financial and administrative capacity to manage expenses, maintain records, and submit invoices properly.

Awardees must document expenses consistently with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles.

Supporting documentation may include evidence such as:

• Invoices
• Competitive bidding documentation
• Time records
• Payroll documentation
• Other appropriate expenditure records

Employee time charged to the grant must accurately reflect the actual amount of time spent working on grant activities.

Important Restriction for New Programs

Organizations developing new Registered Apprenticeship or Pre-Apprenticeship programs should pay particular attention to the registration requirement.

New programs cannot invoice for:

• On-the-Job Training (OJT)
• Related Technical Instruction (RTI)
• Supportive services

before the new apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program has been approved.

These expenses must be incurred after program approval.

Pennsylvania SAP Vendor Identification Number

Applicants are required to have a Pennsylvania SAP Vendor Identification Number.

The number can be obtained at no cost through the applicable Pennsylvania vendor registration process.

Applicants should begin this process early because obtaining the vendor number may take up to two weeks.

An organization may submit its application before receiving the number if necessary, but a grant will not be awarded without documentation of the required Pennsylvania Vendor Identification Number.

Applicants unable to meet this requirement at the time of award may have to relinquish the award.

Fiscal Agent Requirements

A fiscal agent is an organization that accepts responsibility for managing grant funds on behalf of the grantee.

The fiscal agent may be a business, school, workforce organization, or another eligible organization capable of managing the financial requirements of the award.

The fiscal agent is responsible for areas such as:

• Fiscal accounting
• Invoicing
• Payments
• State and federal tax reporting
• Financial documentation
• Audit requirements

A fiscal agent must also obtain employee dishonesty/theft insurance of at least $100,000.

Organizations that can manage the fiscal responsibilities themselves may serve as their own fiscal agents.

Where Local Workforce Development Boards apply as a region, the region must designate a single LWDB as the lead applicant and fiscal agent.

Application Package Requirements

Applicants must download and complete the official application documents provided by Pennsylvania L&I.

The application package must include several components.

1. Application Form

The Application Form must:

• Be completed in full.
• Be no more than one page.
• Be saved as a single file.
• Follow the required naming convention: ApplicantName_App_Form.

2. Project Summary Cover

The Project Summary Cover must not exceed three pages.

It should include:

• Applicant name
• Fiscal agent name
• Vendor ID number
• Unique Entity Identifier, where applicable
• Project title
• Project county
• Project service area
• Municipality
• House and Senate districts served
• Project partners
• Brief project summary
• Project point of contact
• Contact information

3. Project Narrative

The Project Narrative is a central part of the application and may be up to 10 pages, excluding the Goals/Outcomes Table, Timeline, and Sustainability Plan attachments.

The narrative should address:

• Project Design and Management Plan
• Project steps
• Performance Outcomes
• Impact and Sustainability
• Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership
• Other Selection Factors and Priority Considerations

Applicants should structure the narrative so that evaluators can easily identify how each evaluation criterion has been addressed.

4. Timeline

Applicants must complete the required timeline template.

The timeline should show:

• Implementation steps
• Dates
• Milestones
• Cohort schedules
• Registration activities
• ATO engagement
• Expected outcomes
• Key benchmarks

For new programs, the timeline should specifically demonstrate the steps toward registration.

5. Goals and Outcomes Table

Applicants must complete the Goals and Outcomes Table in Appendix E.

The table should clearly identify the project’s goals, services, participant targets, and expected outcomes.

6. Sustainability Plan

Applicants must submit a sustainability plan explaining how the apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship program will continue after the grant ends.

The plan should demonstrate that the project is designed for long-term impact rather than temporary implementation.

7. Letters of Support

Applicants must submit one to three unique letters of support.

Letters should demonstrate meaningful partner commitment and strong cross-sector collaboration.

They should describe:

• The partner’s role.
• Responsibilities.
• Nature of the commitment.
• How the organization will contribute to project implementation.

Applicants are encouraged to establish partnerships across areas such as education, workforce development, business, economic development, and community services.

8. Grant Financial Reporting Package

The Grant Financial Reporting Package must be submitted as a single Excel file.

It should include:

• Requested funds
• Leveraged funds
• Expenditures by category
• Line items
• Budget justification

The budget will form the financial basis for the grant and reimbursement payments.

9. Local Workforce Development Board Notification

Applicants that are not LWDBs must notify their regional Local Workforce Development Board of their application.

A copy of the notification email must be included in the application package.

The requirement does not apply to LWDB applicants.

10. Worker Protection Certification

Applicants must complete the EO 2021-06 Worker Protection Certification Form.

The certification relates to compliance with Pennsylvania’s:

• Unemployment Compensation Law
• Workers’ Compensation Law
• State labor laws
• Workforce safety laws

Application Formatting Requirements

Applications must follow the required formatting specifications.

The main application documents should be:

• Single-spaced
• 8.5 by 11 inches
• Formatted with one-inch margins
• Written in 11-point Calibri font
• Submitted as PDF files, except for the Budget Form
• Numbered with page numbers in the footer

Applications may not contain hyperlinks.

Applicants must also ensure that they do not include proprietary or sensitive business information.

Incomplete applications or applications that fail to meet the specified requirements will not be reviewed or scored.

Evaluators will review only the specified number of pages even if an application exceeds the permitted length. Letters of Support and the Budget Form do not count toward the applicable page limit.

How to Submit the Application

Completed application packages must be submitted electronically by email to the Pennsylvania Apprenticeship and Training Office Grants resource account: ATOGrants@pa.gov

The application must be submitted no later than: October 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET

Late applications will not be accepted.

Applicants should ensure that the email subject line follows the required grant naming instructions. The Notice specifies the application subject as:

“Apprenticeships on the Move: Advancing Pennsylvania’s Workforce”

Applicants should retain the automatic email confirmation received after submission.

If an applicant does not receive the automatic response, the applicant should forward the sent email to the ATO Grants Resource Account and provide the grant name, submission date and time, name, and telephone number.

Applicants may also contact the L&I Apprenticeship and Training Office at (717) 787-6997 if they do not receive an automatic confirmation.

Important Grant Timeline

Applicants should take note of the following dates:

• August 12, 2026: Notice of Grant Availability released.
• August 26, 2026 at 9:00 AM ET: Bidder’s Conference.
• September 8, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET: Deadline for submitting questions.
• October 2, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET: Application deadline.
• May 1, 2027: Anticipated performance period start.
• April 30, 2030: Anticipated contract end date.

Questions must be submitted to ATOGrants@pa.gov with the subject line “Question- Apprenticeships on the Move.”

Questions submitted after the deadline will not be answered.

Grant Award and Notification Process

Funding will be awarded competitively based on the availability of funds and the quality of submitted applications.

L&I expects to notify applicants by email within 30 days following the award determination.

Applicants whose proposals are not selected may request a feedback call within 30 days of receiving their denial notification.

Feedback requests must be submitted by the authorized representative using the appropriate email subject line.

Successful applicants will be required to enter into a Workforce Grant Agreement with L&I unless they already have an applicable grant agreement in place.

Reporting and Monitoring Requirements

Successful grantees will have substantial reporting responsibilities.

Grantees will be required to submit program and fiscal progress reports:

• Monthly
• Annually
• At the conclusion of the project

Final closeout reports must generally be submitted within 60 days after the end of the performance period, or within 60 days of full expenditure, whichever occurs first.

Grantees may also be required to:

• Participate in routine calls with L&I.
• Share project progress.
• Discuss best practices.
• Receive technical assistance.
• Participate in third-party evaluation.
• Collect participant information.
• Maintain appropriate records.
• Submit additional performance data when requested.

Organizations must ensure that personally identifiable information is adequately protected and handled in accordance with applicable Commonwealth data protection requirements.

Allowable and Unallowable Costs

Grant funds must support the objectives and activities of the Apprenticeships on the Move initiative.

Allowable costs may include eligible project activities and administrative costs, subject to the grant requirements.

Administrative costs may not exceed 10% of the amount requested.

Examples of unallowable costs include:

• Pre-award costs
• Building construction
• Lobbying services
• Costs unrelated to direct performance of the award
• Other expenses not aligned with the approved grant proposal

Pre-award costs are incurred at the applicant’s own risk and will not be reimbursed.

L&I can also disallow expenses that do not align with the approved grant proposal or Notice of Grant Award.

How Applicants Can Strengthen Their Proposals

Because the grant uses a competitive merit-based evaluation, applicants should develop their proposals around the scoring criteria rather than simply describing their organization.

A strong proposal should:

1. Clearly identify a genuine workforce problem.
2. Support the problem statement with labor-market and employer-demand evidence.
3. Identify the specific occupations and sector being targeted.
4. Clearly define the population and geographic area to be served.
5. Demonstrate meaningful employer participation.
6. Build strong cross-sector partnerships.
7. Explain how the project will increase apprenticeship participation.
8. Address barriers to entry and completion.
9. Establish measurable participant targets.
10. Provide realistic completion and retention goals.
11. Demonstrate a clear pathway from pre-apprenticeship into Registered Apprenticeship where applicable.
12. Explain how participants will obtain credentials.
13. Provide a detailed implementation timeline.
14. Demonstrate a credible path toward program registration where a new program is proposed.
15. Include a realistic and well-justified budget.
16. Demonstrate long-term sustainability.
17. Explain how project data will be collected, protected, analyzed, and reported.
18. Address priority considerations wherever applicable.
19. Secure strong letters of support from committed partners.
20. Ensure every required application component is complete and correctly formatted.

Key Considerations for New Apprenticeship Programs

Organizations proposing new programs should begin registration-related planning early.

The application should explain:

• The occupation to be supported.
• Why the occupation is appropriate for apprenticeship.
• The workforce need.
• Employer demand.
• Proposed training structure.
• Related technical instruction.
• On-the-job learning.
• Mentorship.
• Credentials.
• Program partners.
• Registration milestones.
• Engagement with the Apprenticeship and Training Office.

Applicants should verify whether their proposed occupation is apprenticeable through the relevant apprenticeship resources.

If an occupation is not already recognized as apprenticeable, applicants should use the applicable apprenticeability process and ensure compliance with Pennsylvania apprenticeship requirements.

Long-Term Sustainability

Sustainability is a major part of the evaluation.

Applicants must explain how the program will continue after the grant period.

A credible sustainability plan could demonstrate how partnerships, employer participation, training infrastructure, funding sources, program operations, and participant recruitment will continue beyond the grant.

The objective is to establish apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship systems that remain useful to employers and workers after grant funding has ended.

Why This Grant Matters for Pennsylvania’s Workforce

The Apprenticeships on the Move initiative represents an effort to connect workforce development directly with employer demand.

Instead of treating workforce training as a standalone activity, the initiative encourages collaboration among businesses, educational institutions, workforce boards, community organizations, labor organizations, and other stakeholders.

By combining paid work experience, technical instruction, mentorship, support services, and recognized credentials, apprenticeship programs can help individuals transition into skilled occupations while giving employers a structured mechanism for developing talent.

The initiative also places significant emphasis on expanding access for populations that have historically experienced barriers to employment and apprenticeship participation.

Visit HERE to learn more about the Pennsylvania Apprenticeships on the Move Grant 2026.

Conclusion

The Pennsylvania Apprenticeships on the Move: Advancing Pennsylvania’s Workforce Grant provides a significant opportunity for organizations across Pennsylvania to develop and expand Registered Apprenticeship and Registered Pre-Apprenticeship programs.

With approximately $4 million available and individual applicants able to request up to $249,999, the initiative is designed to support projects that address workforce shortages, strengthen talent pipelines, expand access to quality careers, and align workforce development with Pennsylvania’s economic priorities.

Eligible organizations can propose new programs or expand existing registered programs in agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, robotics and technology, education, healthcare, and skilled trades.

The strongest proposals will be those that clearly demonstrate employer demand, establish measurable outcomes, build strong partnerships, address barriers to participation, support underserved populations, provide a realistic implementation and sustainability strategy, and directly respond to the grant’s evaluation criteria.

Organizations interested in applying should begin preparing their application materials well before the deadline, particularly because the application requires multiple documents, partner letters, a detailed project narrative, a timeline, a sustainability plan, a detailed budget, and other supporting documentation.

The application deadline is October 2, 2026, at 4:00 PM ET, and late applications will not be accepted.

Prospective applicants should carefully review the official Notice of Grant Availability and all required application templates before submitting their proposal to ensure full compliance with Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry requirements.

For more global grant opportunities visit OFY HERE