The Arkansas Department of Commerce has announced the opening of the application portal for the American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, a landmark national initiative designed to expand high-quality registered apprenticeships in advanced manufacturing across the United States. The program supports registered apprenticeships in 120 approved advanced manufacturing occupations, with $35.8 million available nationwide for eligible program sponsors and employers. Arkansas will serve as the sole administrator of the fund through a four-year cooperative agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor. Funding may support newly enrolled apprentices, upskilled incumbent workers, and eligible former apprentices entering advanced manufacturing programs. To qualify, applicants must already have an established registered apprenticeship program in an approved occupation.