Pa. accepting applications for $3 million industry training grant program

Pennsylvania’s Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) is accepting applications for the Foundations in Industry Training (FIT) Grant Program funding. 

The program helps support and boost registered pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs at businesses across the state. Governor Josh Shapiro secured $3 million for FIT in the 2026-27 budget. 

“Programs like Foundations in Industry Training are key to a robust workforce and strong economy,” DCED Secretary Rick Siger said in a statement. “This $3 million secured by Governor Shapiro for FIT will help provide good-paying careers for Pennsylvanians that set them up for lifelong success. It’s also an important investment in our businesses — increasing the pipeline of skilled workers through registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships fills their workforce needs and helps them thrive.” 

The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry‘s Apprenticeship and Training Office oversees registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the commonwealth. Registered apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, allowing participants to earn while they learn and gain industry-recognized credentials while helping employers develop a skilled workforce. 

Over 43,900 Pennsylvanians have participated in registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs since Governor Shapiro took office, with 170 new registered apprenticeship programs and 96 new registered pre-apprenticeship programs launched statewide. 

“Registered apprenticeships are a proven way to connect Pennsylvanians with family-sustaining careers while helping employers build the skilled workforce they need,” said Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker. “Governor Shapiro’s continued investments in workforce development and programs like FIT are expanding opportunities for more Pennsylvanians to earn while they learn and strengthening Pennsylvania’s economy.” 

According to a release, the FIT Program provides funding to support Related Training Instruction and other apprenticeship training costs by providing up to $3,000 per apprentice each academic year for up to three years. The program’s focus is to increase apprenticeship availability to Pennsylvania employers by assisting them with talent recruitment and development of programs and training curriculums. 

Applications are being accepted by DCED through June 30, 2027, or until the FIT program’s funding is expended. 

Eligible applicants include single employers, employer consortiums, workforce development boards, economic development organizations, labor organizations, local career technical education institutions, Pennsylvania community colleges, and community organizations or associations who have a registered apprenticeship program with the Apprenticeship and Training Office.