Advanced manufacturing stands as a pillar of the economy, encompassing critical sectors such as aerospace, automotive, biotechnology, shipbuilding, semiconductors, and nuclear energy, each essential for bolstering national competitiveness and ensuring economic security. To effectively adjust to a continuously changing environment influenced by technology, automation, and artificial intelligence, employers are exploring ways to adjust their workforce strategies such as enhancing training, investing in upskilling, and refining their recruitment approaches to align with these changes. Registered Apprenticeship is a proven solution for employers to recruit, train, and retain world-class manufacturing talent. In 2025, there were 97,500 registered apprentices served in the advanced manufacturing industry, a 20 percent increase over the past 5 years.
“Through customized training, our apprentices build their skill sets working directly with our equipment, enabling them to become very efficient in supporting the Mack Trucks manufacturing facility as they progress through and complete the program.”
Thomas Gombos, Maintenance Manager, Mack Trucks Lehigh Valley Operations
High-Demand Apprenticeship Occupations
- Aerospace Engineer
- Aircraft Mechanic
- CNC Machine Operator
- Electrical Technician
- Industrial Engineer Technician
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Mechanical Engineering Technician
- Mechatronics Technician
- Precision Machinist
- Robotics Technician
- Tool and Die Maker
To explore more apprenticeship occupations in the Advanced Manufacturing industry, view our Occupation Finder.
Advanced Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund
Discover the new American Manufacturing Apprenticeship Incentive Fund, a $35.8 million initiative aimed at expanding Registered Apprenticeships within the manufacturing sector. This effort, led by Arkansas’ Department of Commerce, Division of Workforce Services, will provide incentive funding to enhance apprenticeship programs nationwide. Learn more about the Incentive Fund.
Competency-Based Occupational Frameworks
In collaboration with the Urban Institute, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship offers national frameworks for occupations in this industry that are consensus based, meaning they are drafted in cooperation with employers, educators, and other workforce and training experts. Employers and businesses can use these frameworks to fast-track the development of their Registered Apprenticeship programs. The frameworks are competency based rather than time based, meaning that abilities are emphasized over memorized knowledge or skills. The result is high-quality, competency-based occupational frameworks (CBOFs) that are freely available for all to use. CBOFs are available for the following occupations:
Advanced Manufacturing Industry Resources
Disclaimer Statement: Advanced manufacturing resources and speaker presentation content in slide decks and recordings do not necessarily reflect the position or policy of the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment Training Administration, Office of Apprenticeship, nor does mention of trade names, commercial products, or organizations imply endorsement by the federal government.