There's never been a better time to build a Registered Apprenticeship (RA) program for your business - and a new incentive program will make it even easier to do just that across Iowa.
The Iowa Office of Apprenticeship (IOA) is excited to offer more than $1 million in incentives through the newly announced LaunchRA Program. Made possible through U.S. Department of Labor funding, LaunchRA will directly support organizations starting new RA programs across the state, including in Iowa's most high-demand industries.
More information on the new program is detailed below. The IOA encourages sponsors of recently established programs to enroll apprentices now in preparation for these new incentives.
RA programs registered on or after July 1, 2026 are eligible to receive $2,000for every apprentice enrolled in their program on October 1, 2026or later, provided that the apprentice has completed a minimum of six months or 180 days in their program. To support retention, payments can be requested only after an apprentice reaches this six‑month milestone.
Sponsors who create RA programs that support the eligible high-demand industry occupations (362.99 KB) .pdf of Advanced Manufacturing, Education, Healthcare and Information Technology (IT) will be able to request an additional $1,000 for each retained apprentice.
The IOA will host an upcoming webinar to provide an overview of the LaunchRA program and answer questions. Interested organizations are encouraged to register and attend:
Once newly created RA programs have hosted an active apprentice for six months, they will be eligible to request payments (per apprentice) to support their commitment to RA development and program growth.
The IOA is available to answer questions or help interested organizations create a new RA program. The goal of LaunchRA is to encourage Iowa employers to strengthen their talent pipelines by using a proven model that invests in the future of Iowa’s workforce!
List items for Learn More: Details on the LaunchRA Incentive Program
Employer Sponsors and Intermediary Sponsors qualify for the Pay-for-Performance Incentive Program by meeting the following requirements:
Active RA program registered in the Department of Labor’s Registered Apprenticeship Partners Information Database System (RAPIDS) on or after July 1, 2026.
Program registered at an address located within the state of Iowa.
Active registration in the federal System for Award Management (SAM.gov) and not debarred or suspended from receiving federal funds.
Not currently in a corrective action period with the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship.
Must agree to the Program Terms and Conditions.
Eligible employer sponsors and intermediaries may request payment for registered apprentices who:
Were registered on or after October 1, 2026.
Completed a minimum of six months or 180 days in their RA program.
Have a signed 671 on file, in RAPIDS (for each apprentice).
View this list of the high-demand industry occupations that are eligible for the additional $1,000 bonus payment:
Prior to receiving each payment, eligible employer sponsors and intermediaries are required to carefully read the program Terms and Conditions to understand their obligations as a program funds recipient.
The program Terms and Conditions can be found by viewing the following document.
Creating a New RA Program (Interested Organizations)
List items for How to Get Started with LaunchRA
Organizations interested in establishing a new Registered Apprenticeship program and accessing available incentives can begin the process today! Below is a summary from the IOA outlining program creation and the steps for requesting incentive payments.
IOA stands ready to help any employer explore their options for an apprenticeship program. Complete the form below to get started. This preliminary step will get you connected to the IOA team and provide an overview of what's possible in your program:
Have questions? Contact the Iowa Office of Apprenticeship via email [email protected] or phone 515-725-3675. Leave us a message and an IOA team member will follow up with you!
Once your program is registered, your organization should begin to work to hire and onboard apprentices.
The IOA will provide support for all New RA Sponsors to navigate the on-the-job learning and educational requirements and tracking for sponsors.
Strong mentorship is one of the most effective ways to support apprentice success and long‑term retention. The IOA encourages employers to create structured guidance, provide regular check‑ins, and foster a positive learning environment that helps apprentices grow in skill and confidence. To access tools, best practices, and additional support for mentoring and retaining apprentices, visit the IOA resources page.
After your apprentice has completed an initial six months in their program, you can request payments through the LaunchRA incentive program.
The Request Form Application link will be available starting April 1, 2027, which aligns with the 180‑day mark of the program period that began on October 1. For any questions, Contact IOA Staff.
