The U.S. Department of Labor announced on September 30, 2026 that it awarded $43 million in Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund grants to seven states. The department says the funding supports employer-driven training in critical industries including shipbuilding, advanced manufacturing and nuclear energy. The Employment and Training Administration administers the program. State Workforce Agencies will use this second round of grants to provide outcome-based reimbursements to employers that offer training responsive to local workforce needs and changing skill requirements. The seven recipients are state agencies in Colorado, Indiana, Montana, Nebraska, Oregon, Pennsylvania and Washington. DOL says more than $10 million of this round supports occupations in domestic shipbuilding and the maritime supply chain. A grant award is funding for a training effort, not proof that a particular class is open, that an individual qualifies, or that a job is guaranteed. Prospective participants still need to check the relevant state agency or employer for program details, timing and eligibility. The release does not give a worker application schedule or a count of people already trained.