Announcing Virginia’s
H.I.R.E.D. Apprenticeship Fund
Helping employers Highlight, Include, Recruit, Engage, and Deliver their workforce of the future through Registered Apprenticeship.
Funds Available:
$3,500 per applicant; Maximum request: $7,000
Applications are open:
February 18, 2026 –
March 18, 2026, until 5:00 pm
Announcing Virginia Works’ H.I.R.E.D. Apprenticeship Fund!
Are you interested in creating new Registered Apprenticeship programs or scaling already established programs? If so, you can apply here for funds that will cover training and other related expenses for up to two new apprentices.
The H.I.R.E.D. Apprenticeship Fund incentivizes employers like you to start or expand Registered Apprenticeship in high-demand industries including, but not exclusive to: Education, Information Technology, Care Economy, Service Trades, Manufacturing, and Maintenance and Repair. Funds can be used for training and education costs as well as to supplement supportive services. More details on allowable costs are included in the FAQs below.
Registered Apprenticeship is a proven model — creating strong talent pipelines, retaining talent, fostering loyalty and innovation. It is the ultimate “earn while you learn” model, combining two key components — on-the-job training and classroom learning. Registered Apprenticeship provides a structured program tailored to meet the specific needs of your industry, while providing each apprentice with a nationally recognized credential upon completion of the program.
Ready to get started? Fill out the application form and budget template below.
You may fill them out digitally or print and fill them out by hand. Completed forms can be submitted via email to grantapplications@virginiaworks.gov!
Eligibility
Employers in high-demand industry sectors including, but not exclusive to: Education, Information Technology, Care Economy, Service Trades, Manufacturing, and Maintenance and Repair.
Total Funds
$157,500
Funds Available
$3,500 per applicant; Maximum request: $7,000
Application Open
February 18, 2026
Application Due
March 18, 2026, by 5:00 pm
Award Date
On or before April 8, 2026
Period of Performance
April 8, 2026 – April 8, 2027
Reimbursement Period Until
25 days after April 8, 2027
Eligible Use of Funds
Infrastructure costs for Registered Apprenticeship Program creation and enhancement, Registered Apprenticeship Training, Supportive Services to include transportation, uniforms, tools, and related equipment; child or dependent care; pre-apprenticeship training, and other services.
See the application for more detail.
Selection Criteria
Selection criteria include:
- Identification of Need and Problem Statement
- Registered Apprenticeship Program Description
- Performance Outcome, Budget Narrative and (Excel) Line-Item Budget
- Under-represented Geographical Area
- Under-served Populations
See the application for more detail.
Reporting Requirements
The subrecipient will be required to provide monthly progress and financial reports of expenditures to be described in detail and communicated in award documentation. Specific data will be required for reporting purposes, including Social Security numbers, and other personally identifiable information.
See the application for more detail.
FAQS
How do I register/apply for the H.I.R.E.D. fund?
Click here to access the H.I.R.E.D. Apprenticeship Fund Application and here to access the budget template. You may fill them out digitally or print and fill them out by hand. Applications must be submitted via email to GrantApplications@virginiaworks.gov.
Updated 2/18/26
How do I confirm my registration/application?
All questions about the H.I.R.E.D. Apprenticeship Fund and your application can be sent to Virgina Work’s Registered Apprenticeship Team at: GrantApplications@virginiaworks.gov.
Updated 2/18/26
Do participants in the RAPs need to be employed?
Yes. Participants must be employed by the employer sponsor. Employers will register up to 2 apprentices who matriculate into a Registered Apprenticeship program.
Updated 2/18/26
Are matching funds required?
Matching funds are not required.
Updated 2/18/26
Is there a cap on funds?
Yes. For this round of the H.I.R.E.D. Apprenticeship Fund, we are only accepting up to 2 Registered Apprentices per applicant with a total maximum reimbursement request of $3,500 per apprentice.
Updated 2/18/26
If successful, how will funds be disbursed?
Funds will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis. See Last Reimbursement Date in application.
Updated 2/18/26
What is the reimbursement process?
Submit a reimbursement request form to HIREDfund@virginiaworks.gov. Reimbursement forms and instructions will soon be made available on this webpage.
Updated 2/18/26
What are the allowable costs?
See application for a full list of allowable costs.
Subawards can support the reimbursement of costs for training related expenditures, such as instructor time/wages and/or training materials.
Funds awarded cannot be used to purchase real property/equipment (defined as tangible personal property with a per-unit acquisition cost of $10,000 or more and a useful life of more than one year). *Equipment needed to train the apprentice for the job is allowed.
Funding cannot be used to purchase food and beverages.
Funding cannot be used to procure promotional items or entertainment costs
Updated 2/18/26
Can the funds be used to pay all or some of the wages of the apprentice?
No. Funds awarded may not be used to support reimbursement of apprentice wages.
Updated 2/18/26
How do I create a Registered Apprenticeship Program?
For questions about Registered Apprenticeship Programs, contact your local Registered Apprenticeship Consultant, found here.
Please email all questions about the H.I.R.E.D. Apprenticeship Fund to: GrantApplications@virginiaworks.gov.
Updated 2/18/26
Virginia Works is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities. Department of Workforce Development and Advancement | Virginia Works is funded by the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) – Employment and Training Administration (ETA) through the use of a State Apprenticeship Expansion Formula (SAEF) grant award, Apprenticeship USA Grants Award FAIN #25A60AP000164, totaling $1,129,005.00.
The dollar amount of Federal funds for this project equals $157,500 which constitutes 100 percent of the project cost.
We are committed to fostering partnerships that drive innovation and job creation.