PfPV4 Header NO LOGO PfP and Telecom Apprenticeship Fund 2026-10-27

Get Rewarded for Success. 

Expanding Registered Apprenticeship, Building the Future Workforce. 

Up to $6,000 per Apprentice

 

 

FAQ and Resources

The Pay-for-Performance (PfP) Incentive Payments Program is one of the Trump administration's national initiatives to grow Registered Apprenticeships toward the goal of reaching and surpassing 1 million active apprentices. Under a pay-for-performance model, Registered apprenticeship sponsors can receive direct payments of up to $6,000 per apprentice to support the hiring and retention of new apprentices, reduce barriers for employers, and help train Americans for in-demand careers across priority industries nationwide.

What is the Telecommunication Apprenticeship Incentive Fund ?

  • The Telecommunication Apprenticeship Incentive Fund PfP is managed by the Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA) and fully funded through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor.

  • The initiative was created to support the growth of a skilled workforce in the telecommunications industry, which includes fiber, broadband, and digital infrastructure, by expanding access to high-quality Registered Apprenticeship programs.

  • Incentives are distributed through a pay-for-performance model tied to verified apprentice milestones, providing eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors with up to $6,000 per qualifying apprentice in approved occupations.

  • Through the Telecommunication Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, WIA will support Individual Employer Sponsors and Group Sponsors  nationwide in developing, expanding, or joining Registered Apprenticeship programs and creating apprenticeship opportunities in qualifying telecommunications occupations.

Slide1 PfP Milestone blue boxes v2
PfP_HubSpot_BlueBox_Occupation NEW TITLE 2026-10-24

 

NOTE:  All incentive fund models maintain an eligible occupations list at launch; however, these lists are not final; DOL will consider additional occupations for inclusion once the five new models have been operational for several months. Sponsors may request occupations not on the eligible occupations list and provide justification for consideration.

Sponsors that do not see their occupation(s) on the Occupations List are encouraged to explore if the occupation(s) may be eligible under other active U.S. Department of Labor incentive funds.

Who Can Apply?

Already a Registered Apprenticeship sponsor?
 
Your organization may be eligible to participate if:
 

  • It is an Individual Registered Apprenticeship Program Sponsor (i.e., apprenticeship programs operated by one business/employer for building its own skilled labor force).

  • It is a Group Sponsor (i.e., apprenticeship programs operated by groups of employers, unions, industry intermediaries, trade associations, etc.).

  • Your apprentices work in qualifying telecommunication occupations which encompass fiber, broadband and digital infrastructure. View the Eligible Occupations in the Resources section below.

  • The existing program is in good standing.

  • Applicants may also refer to U.S. CFR § 29.2 for definitions of “Employer” and “Sponsor”.

Not currently a Registered Apprenticeship Sponsor?

The Telecommunication Apprenticeship Incentive Fund is also available to organizations interested in establishing a Registered Apprenticeship Program with qualifying telecommunication occupations. Contact us and we can connect you with resources and information to help you learn more.
 

Sponsors that do not see their occupation(s) on the Occupations List are encouraged to explore if the occupation(s) may be eligible under other active U.S. Department of Labor incentive funds at Homepage | Apprenticeship.gov.

 

How to Apply

  • Click this link to fill in an Application
  • Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until 100% of available incentive funds are obligated.
  • The designated Point of Contact (POC) in the application will receive an automated message confirming the Application submission.
  • During the initial phase, funding limits may apply to maximize participation across sponsors and employers.

 

How the Incentive Program Works

The Telecommunication  Apprenticeship Incentive Fund rewards verified apprentice outcomes. Eligible Registered Apprenticeship sponsors may receive up to $6,000 per qualifying apprentice as apprentices reach three verified milestones in approved occupations. To qualify for incentive funding, Sponsors must also meet a Substantial Growth Threshold (SGT) by demonstrating eligible apprenticeship growth above their established baseline.

  • Incentives support newly enrolled apprentices, upskilled incumbent workers, and eligible former apprentices entering new telecommunication programs

  • Incentive payments are paid to Sponsors based on apprentice milestones: 

    • $1,500 -  90-Day Retention

    • $2,500 -  Related Training Completion

    • $2,000 -  Program Completion

Contact

 For questions, contact: Rachael Hill, WIA Project Manager

  • Email: rachael.hill@wia.org 
  • Phone:  703-859-3678
01.

Determine Eligibility

Determine if your organization is eligible to participate.

  • Application completion

  • Occupation review

  • Program requirements assessment

02.

Sponsor Onboarding

Eligible Sponsors are onboarded to new systems.    

  • Sponsor onboarding

  • Systems set up

  • Financial account set up

03.

Earn Incentives

Eligible Sponsors can qualify for incentive payments tied to verified apprentice milestones.

  • 90-Day Retention

  • Related Training Completion

  • Apprenticeship Completion

RESOURCES


PfP THUMBNAIL DOL FAQ 2026-11-03

OA General FAQ

Review general FAQs from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship (OA).

Download
PfP THUMBNAIL OA Telecom Occupations V2 (Alphabetized)2026-10-31

OA Approved Occupation List

View Office of Apprenticeship (OA) approved telecommunications occupations that may qualify for the Telecom Apprenticeship Incentive Fund.

Download
PfP V4 THUMBNAIL Program Flyer 2026-10-29

Program Flyer

Get a quick overview of the Telecommunication Apprenticeship Incentive Fund: eligibility, potential funding including payment milestones.

Download
PfP V3 Thumbnail FAQ 2026-10-25

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Review Telecom Apprenticeship Incentive Fund resource with questions that are frequently asked about this opportunity.

Download
PfP Group Sponsor with multiple employer application spreadsheet 2026-10-30

Group Sponsor Spreadsheet

If your Registered Apprenticeship Program includes multiple participating employers, fill in this spreadsheet and upload with your application. The workbook will ask you to identify each employer, proposed occupations, anticipated apprentices, and funding history.

Download
PfP V4 Thumbnail Commitment Letter 2026-10-24

Sample Letter of Commitment

This sample "Letter of Commitment" template will be used by ELIGIBLE SPONSORS to document their organization’s commitment to join in WIA's Telecom Apprenticeship Incentive Fund.

Download

 The total cost of the Telecommunication Pay for Performance Incentive Payments Program is $29,999,142. $29,999,142 (100%) is funded through a U.S. Department of Labor – Employment and Training Administration grant.