Open Pennsylvania Apprenticeship Infrastructure Funding
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry is accepting applications for Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Registered Apprenticeship Ecosystem Through the Navigator Program. Approximately $450,000 is available for one competitive award of up to $450,000. Applications are due October 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET. Questions are due October 5, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET, and the bidder’s conference is September 21, 2026 at 11:00 AM ET.
Who Can Apply
The controlling Notice of Grant Availability states that eligible applicants include sponsors of Registered Apprenticeship Navigator programs. Applicants must demonstrate the capability to convene business, education, workforce and provider partners; coordinate and manage the project and budget; collect and report performance outcomes; administer fiscal requirements; submit required reporting; and work with an evaluator. A Pennsylvania SAP Vendor Identification Number is required before an award can be made, and awardees must accept the Workforce Grant Agreement as written.
What the Grant Supports
The program is designed to strengthen local and regional apprenticeship ecosystems and extend the reach of the Apprenticeship and Training Office. Required activities include developing two cohorts of local or regional apprenticeship networks, training at least 40 individuals to journeyworker status as Apprenticeship Navigators, providing uniform technical assistance to employers, intermediaries, training providers and other partners, and building a detailed implementation and sustainability roadmap.
The Navigator model is cross-sector and can support apprenticeship expansion in healthcare, education and other Pennsylvania industries, but this grant is primarily workforce-system infrastructure rather than a clinical-services or technology procurement opportunity.
Funding, Match and Cost Controls
The NGA is 100% state funded and does not state a mandatory applicant match or cost-share requirement. The required budget must identify requested and leveraged funds. Administrative costs may not exceed 10% of the amount requested. Unallowable costs include pre-award costs, building construction, procuring lobbying services, and costs not directly associated with performance of the award. Reimbursement requires supporting documentation, including competitive-bidding evidence for services or supplies where applicable.
Application and Submission Requirements
The application package must follow the NGA specifications, including single spacing, 8.5 by 11 inch pages, one-inch margins, 11-point Calibri, PDF format except for the budget workbook, page numbers in the footer, no hyperlinks, and no proprietary or sensitive business information. Required materials include the application form, project summary, project narrative, timeline, goals/outcomes table, sustainability plan, one to three unique letters of support, the Grant Financial Reporting Package budget, Local Workforce Development Board notification for non-LWDB applicants, and the Worker Protection Certification.
Applications must be submitted electronically to ATOGrants@pa.gov by October 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM ET using the required subject format, “Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Registered Apprenticeship Ecosystem: Your Organization’s Name.” The anticipated performance period is February 1, 2027 through January 31, 2029.
Atlas Fit Analysis
Atlas Opportunity Score: 88/100. This is a highly targeted statewide workforce-development opportunity with a single $450,000 award and a narrow eligibility gate. It is especially relevant to organizations already sponsoring a Pennsylvania Registered Apprenticeship Navigator program and capable of statewide or multi-regional employer, education, workforce and provider convening.
N9+ Fit: 0/100. The grant funds apprenticeship-system development, Navigator training, technical assistance and related workforce infrastructure. The controlling NGA does not establish a clinical-technology purchasing use case for the Nonagon N9+ platform, so Atlas does not position N9+ for this opportunity.
QC Healthcare Fit: 5/100 conditional. Healthcare can benefit from apprenticeship expansion supported by Navigators, but the grant does not procure general clinical staffing or healthcare delivery. Any healthcare role would be indirect through employer and apprenticeship-system partnerships.
Official Source
Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry — Current Grant Opportunities