Apprenticeships can be a pathway to good careers, but they don’t work for everyone. Research indicates that a main reason some don’t complete their apprenticeship programs is financial difficulties.

Jobs for the Future (JFF) has just launched the National Apprentice Fund (NAF) – an initiative to cut that hardship as a means to support Registered Apprenticeship completion. Google.org is financially supporting NAF with $2,800 individual, one-time awards going to 750 apprentices.
The NAF focuses on growing sectors including health care, technology, education, and advanced manufacturing. The apprentices can use their funds to cover the costs of essentials including tools or equipment, transportation, childcare, and housing.
In a statement about the NAF launch, JFF president and CEO Maria Flynn says, “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.”

Additionally, Vinz Koller, VP of JFF’s Center for Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning, adds, “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.”
Apprentices, employers, and other stakeholders can learn about NAF during JFF’s national launch event and information session on Wednesday, April 30 – National Apprenticeship Day.
JFF suggests who should attend:
- Current apprentices registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) or their State Apprenticeship Agency (SAA), particularly those apprenticing in high-demand sectors such as technology, education, health care, and advanced manufacturing
- Employers with Registered Apprenticeship Programs that can refer apprentices to apply
- Community-based organizations (CBOs) that can refer apprentices to apply
- Registered Apprenticeship providers or program partners that can refer apprentices to apply
To learn more about the National Apprentice Fund, register here.