The initiative is designed to expand Registered Apprenticeship programs in occupations needed to construct, operate and maintain data centers, semiconductor fabrication facilities, nuclear energy sites and other critical infrastructure.

Roofing is specifically included.

The program's approved occupation list includes both Roofer and Carpenter Roofer Specialist, potentially opening the incentives to qualifying roofing apprenticeship sponsors working in the targeted sectors.

The funding comes as construction of data centers and other mission-critical facilities creates new demand for skilled construction workers.

"As industries transform and new technologies emerge, the workforce must be ready to grow alongside them, building the skills and capacity to power innovation across the economy," said Maria Flynn, president and CEO of JFF.

JFF said the four-year initiative is expected to support the hiring and retention of more than 6,200 apprentices across more than 40 states.

How Roofing Programs Can Qualify

Eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors can receive up to $6,000 for each qualifying new apprentice.

The incentive is paid in two installments: $3,750 after an apprentice reaches 90 days of employment retention and another $2,250 when the apprentice completes the program or reaches 12 months, whichever occurs first.

However, simply operating an apprenticeship program in an approved roofing occupation does not automatically qualify a sponsor for funding.

The Registered Apprenticeship sponsor must be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor or a recognized State Apprenticeship Agency and operate within or directly support the data center, semiconductor or nuclear energy infrastructure sectors.

That distinction could be particularly important for roofing contractors and industry apprenticeship programs considering the incentive. A program training roofers generally would not qualify solely because "Roofer" appears on the approved occupation list; the sponsor must also demonstrate the required connection to the targeted infrastructure sectors.

Existing apprenticeship programs must exceed an established baseline enrollment, known as the Substantial Growth Threshold, before additional apprentices become eligible for payments. Eligible apprentices must have been newly enrolled after July 1, 2026.

The structure is intended to encourage employers and apprenticeship sponsors to expand their programs rather than subsidize existing enrollment.

JFF said applications are being reviewed on a rolling basis while funding remains available.

The incentive fund is financed through a $40 million U.S. Department of Labor grant. JFF said the initiative will work with industry and workforce partners to help employers and apprenticeship sponsors expand programs and develop the skilled workforce needed to support critical infrastructure construction.