Jobs for the Future Launches New $2M Fund to Provide Financial Assistance to Apprentices with Support from Google.org

The National Apprentice Fund will directly support hundreds of apprentices in growing sectors of the economy that pay competitive wages and offer opportunities for upward career mobility

BOSTON, April 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Jobs for the Future (JFF), a national nonprofit transforming the U.S. workforce and education systems to drive economic success, today announced the launch of the National Apprentice Fund (NAF), a new $2 million fund to provide direct financial assistance to apprentices in Registered Apprenticeship programs to increase completion rates. With generous support from Google.org, the philanthropic arm of Google, the National Apprentice Fund will serve 750 apprentices with a one-time award of $2,800 per apprentice to help remove financial barriers to completing programs.

"Jobs for the Future is honored to receive support from Google.org to help make apprenticeships more accessible to hundreds of young people," said Maria Flynn, president & CEO of Jobs for the Future. "At a time of increasing demand for high-quality pathways to jobs with opportunities for advancement, apprenticeships are a valuable solution. But to get to higher completion rates, we must address a range of challenges from financial pressures to the need for more wraparound supports."

Research has shown that financial barriers are a primary reason why apprentices do not complete their apprenticeship programs. By reducing financial stresses and enabling more people to complete Registered Apprenticeships, the National Apprentice Fund aims to help build a stronger U.S. workforce.

"Google.org is committed to expanding economic opportunity for everyone. We're proud to continue our longstanding support of JFF through the launch of the National Apprentice Fund," said Nina Ong, Apprenticeships Lead at Google.org. "We recognize the transformative power of apprenticeships in creating accessible pathways to well-paying jobs and economic mobility."

The National Apprentice Fund will focus on apprentices in growing sectors of the economy that pay competitive wages and offer opportunities for upward career mobility, including health care, technology, education, and advanced manufacturing. Funds may be used towards the cost of tools or equipment, transportation, childcare, housing, and other essentials needed to complete training. Apprentices and employers who are interested in learning more can join JFF's national launch event and information session on National Apprenticeship Day on Wednesday, April 30, 2025.

Despite unemployment holding steady at a low percentage, many sectors face a persistent struggle to fill positions due to a range of interconnected factors – one of which includes a widening gap between our education/training system and labor market demand that leaves many workers unprepared for good jobs. At a time when student loan debt is at a staggering high, apprenticeships are a powerful solution that combine paid on-the-job training with learning in the classroom.

"What's remarkable about apprenticeships is how adaptable they are to the ever-evolving workplace, making this ancient form of skill-building highly modern and suitable to all types of settings and learning styles," said Vinz Koller, vice president of JFF's Center for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. "Investments in the apprentices of today through initiatives like the National Apprentice Fund will have far-reaching benefits for apprentices, businesses, and communities – a win-win for everyone."

Apprentices interested in applying and joining JFF's upcoming information session on National Apprenticeship Day on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, can visit www.jff.org/NAF. Employers, community-based organizations, or other Registered Apprenticeship providers or program partners, that would like to refer an apprentice to apply can fill out this form.

About Jobs for the Future (JFF)
JFF is building a future that works for everyone by transforming U.S. education and workforce systems to drive economic success for people, businesses, and communities. www.jff.org.

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SOURCE JOBS FOR THE FUTURE INC