Federal grants will support advanced manufacturing apprenticeships and reentry employment initiatives
INDIANAPOLIS (July 23, 2026) — Indiana is receiving $9.1 million in new federal workforce grants to expand registered apprenticeship opportunities, strengthen the state’s advanced manufacturing workforce, and improve employment pathways for formerly incarcerated Hoosiers.
Announced by Governor Mike Braun, the funding includes a $4 million State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula Round 4 (SAEF4) grant from the U.S. Department of Labor and a $5.1 million Reentry Employment in Skilled Trades, Advanced Manufacturing, Registered Apprenticeships, and Training Initiative (RESTART) grant.
The investments are designed to help employers develop skilled talent pipelines while providing Hoosiers with access to high-demand, high-wage careers.
“Indiana has a nationally recognized apprenticeship system that works for employers, helping them build talent pipelines across industries, and for Hoosiers, putting them on a path to higher wage careers,” Gov. Braun said. “With these new grants, my administration will continue developing Indiana’s tremendous workforce, preparing them for the careers of the future.”
Expanding Apprenticeships in Advanced Manufacturing
The $4 million SAEF4 grant will strengthen Indiana’s nationally recognized apprenticeship system by increasing opportunities in advanced manufacturing, one of the state’s most in-demand industries and an area that has historically seen fewer apprenticeship opportunities.
Funding will be directed toward:
- Expanding registered apprenticeship programs sponsored by advanced manufacturing employers.
- Creating Capacity Building Grants to support Indiana’s Local Workforce Boards.
- Funding apprenticeship navigators who will work directly with manufacturers to increase employer participation and grow apprenticeship capacity statewide.
The initiative supports the Indiana Department of Workforce Development’s long-term strategy of expanding apprenticeship opportunities across key industries while ensuring employers have access to a highly skilled workforce.
RESTART Grant Supports Workforce Reentry
Indiana also secured a competitive $5.1 million RESTART grant, which will connect formerly incarcerated adults age 25 and older with employment, skills training and registered apprenticeship opportunities in high-demand industries.
Approximately $4.3 million of the funding will be distributed through Indiana’s Local Workforce Boards to provide:
- Occupational training
- Work-based learning opportunities
- Supportive services
- Employer incentives
- Career placement assistance
The initiative aligns with Gov. Braun’s efforts to reduce recidivism by expanding access to employment and career training following incarceration.
Last year, the governor signed an executive order focused on strengthening reentry services and improving long-term employment outcomes for formerly incarcerated Hoosiers.
Indiana Continues Workforce Growth
Indiana Commerce Secretary Chuck Goodrich said the state’s apprenticeship system continues to produce results for both employers and workers.
“Indiana ranks second in the nation for apprenticeships per capita thanks to our proven models that benefit employers and workers,” Goodrich said. “Indiana has added nearly 14,000 new apprentices since Gov. Braun took office, and these grants will create even more pathways for Hoosiers.”
Indiana earned one of the U.S. Department of Labor’s competitive RESTART awards after the federal agency announced $81 million in available funding earlier this year. The state also received funding through the Department of Labor’s approximately $85 million SAEF4 grant program announced in April.
Together, the two grants reinforce Indiana’s commitment to developing a highly skilled workforce, expanding career opportunities in advanced manufacturing and skilled trades, and strengthening the state’s economic competitiveness through workforce innovation.
