New Act Authorizes $10 Million Annually to Fund Apprenticeship Support and Outreach Through 2030

This bill, the Supporting Apprenticeship Colleges Act of 2025, sets up two new federal grant programs designed to boost the skilled trades, specifically in construction and manufacturing. The goal is straightforward: get more people into these high-demand jobs and help them actually finish their training. It authorizes a total of $10 million every year, from fiscal year 2026 through 2030, aimed at colleges that run these specific apprenticeship programs.

The Outreach Budget: Selling the Trades

Section 2 creates a grant program focused entirely on community outreach, authorizing $5 million annually. Think of this as funding to get the word out—and not just to the usual suspects. Colleges can apply for up to $500,000 to fund activities like going into high schools to talk to students, parents, and teachers about the benefits of an apprenticeship over a traditional four-year degree. Crucially, the money must also be used to connect with local employers, particularly those in rural, suburban, and exurban areas, with the goal of placing graduates in those communities.

This section specifically gives preference to groups that show they are trying to enroll students from underrepresented backgrounds, including rural students, first-generation college students, and minority students. For a family in a small town, this means their local high school might finally get better information about high-paying trade careers that don't require moving away or taking on massive student loans. For a small construction firm outside the city limits, it means a more direct pipeline to local, skilled labor.

The Retention Budget: Keeping Apprentices on Track

Section 3 sets aside another $5 million annually for student support grants, also capped at $500,000 per recipient. This is the part that acknowledges that life doesn't stop just because you started an apprenticeship. These funds are designed to help apprentices stick with their training and complete their certifications. The money must be used to expand two key areas of support.

First, it covers academic and career advising. This includes career development, mentoring, and support for students learning English as a second language (ESL). If you’re a first-generation student trying to navigate the system, this expanded advising can be the difference between dropping out and earning a credential. Second, and perhaps most practically, the money can be used for general student support, which includes things like access to mental health counseling, substance abuse services, and, significantly, childcare support. If you’re an apprentice juggling work, school, and family, having access to affordable childcare or counseling can remove massive barriers to completion.

The Fine Print: What Counts as an Apprenticeship College?

The bill is very specific about who can receive this funding. Section 4 defines a qualified program as one that offers coursework in construction or manufacturing and leads to a recognized postsecondary credential beyond a basic certificate of completion. The credits earned in the apprenticeship must count toward that credential, and the college sponsoring the program must be accredited. This requirement is important because it ensures that apprentices aren't just getting on-the-job training; they are earning a portable, recognized college credential that can advance their careers long-term.

While the bill is focused on expanding opportunity, it does grant the Secretary of Education and the Secretary of Labor broad authority over the application process, allowing them to ask for “whatever information the Secretary asks for, whenever the Secretary asks for it.” This gives the agencies a lot of administrative leeway in how the $10 million is distributed and tracked. However, the reporting requirements are also strict: recipients must detail how the grant improved enrollment and completion rates, especially for underrepresented populations, ensuring the money is tied directly to measurable results.