$43 million awarded to seven states to support skills training in critical industries
by anthony_capkun_2 | 11 November 2026 10:14 am
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The U.S. Department of Labor announced the award of $43 million in Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants to seven states to invest in employer-driven training programs for in-demand skilled trades including:
- shipbuilding occupations
- occupations essential to the buildout of AI infrastructure
- advanced manufacturing
- nuclear energy
- domestic mineral production
- aerospace
- information technology, including AI
Administered by the department’s Employment and Training Administration, the second round of Training Fund grants will provide funding to State Workforce Agencies for outcome-based reimbursements to employers who provide training that is responsive to evolving skill requirements and local workforce needs.
“As we continue to see growth in the construction and manufacturing sectors, these grants ensure that American workers have the skills necessary to fill the high-skilled and high-paying jobs that are driving our nation into a new era of industrial might […]” said Keith Sonderling, who was serving as Acting Secretary of Labor at the time.
Recipients of the second round of Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants include:
- $6,740,000 – Colorado Department of Labor and Employment
- $6,740,000 – Indiana Department of Workforce Development
- $4,837,533 – Montana Department of Labor and Industry
- $4,633,750 – Nebraska Department of Labor
- $6,740,517 – Oregon Higher Education Coordinating Commission
- $6,740,000 – Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry
- $6,740,000 – Washington Employment Security Department
In September 2025, DOL awarded more than $86 million in grants to 14 states in the first round of Training Fund grants.
Learn more about the Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund Grant Program by visiting www.dol.gov[2].
- [Image]: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/MCN-Industry-News-GENB-01AC-800.jpg
- www.dol.gov: https://www.dol.gov/agencies/eta/dislocated-workers/grants/industry-driven-skills
Source URL: https://www.metalconstructionnews.com/news/43-million-awarded-to-seven-states-to-support-skills-training-in-critical-industries/