NIICA Partners with JFF to Expand Registered Apprenticeships

HANOVER, MD, UNITED STATES, November 10, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- NIICA, a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing a national strategy for building talent pipelines in critical industry sectors, has partnered with Jobs for the Future (JFF) to expand Registered Apprenticeships (RAs) in high-demand occupations within the super intelligence, semiconductor, and nuclear energy infrastructure industries. This collaboration is part of the U.S. Department of Labor's (USDOL) Pay-for-Performance Incentive Payments Program, which aims to grow RAs to surpass one million active apprentices.

The Super Intelligence, Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, administered by JFF, will provide $34 million in incentive payments to support the expansion of RAs in these critical infrastructure industries. The fund will offer payments of up to $6,000 per apprentice to RA sponsors, helping to reduce barriers for employers and support the hiring and retention of new apprentices. The initiative is part of a broader effort to train Americans for in-demand careers across priority industries nationwide.

NIICA, as a national partner, will support outreach and employer engagement, connecting RA sponsors and industry stakeholders with information about the fund and opportunities to participate. The organization emphasizes the importance of strong industry partnerships and practical workforce solutions in developing and retaining skilled talent. The fund supports RAs in occupations associated with super intelligence, semiconductor manufacturing, nuclear energy infrastructure, and related fields, including the skilled trades and technical roles needed to build, operate, and maintain critical facilities.

To learn more about the initiative, interested parties are encouraged to attend a virtual informational session hosted by JFF on Thursday, November 12, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. ET. The session will provide an overview of the fund, including eligibility requirements, how performance-based incentive payments are earned, and the application process. The session can be registered for via the following link: www.eventbrite.com/e/si-semiconductor-and-nuclear-energy-apprenticeship-incentive-fund-tickets-2004095583840.

Applications for the fund are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis while funding remains available. RA sponsors can review eligibility criteria, approved occupations, and application instructions through JFF. The SI, Semiconductor, and Nuclear Energy Infrastructure Apprenticeship Incentive Fund is financed 100% with federal funds from the USDOL under a total grant award of $40 million. Applicants who learn about the opportunity through NIICA are asked to identify NIICA as their referring organization in the application portal's referral dropdown so NIICA can track referrals and provide appropriate follow-up.

NIICA, with a mission to support strategic industry sectors tied to U.S. national security, global competitiveness, and leadership in innovation, has been a leader in developing industry-driven talent pipelines and expanding RA opportunities in sectors critical to the nation's economic competitiveness and national security.