New federal grant will strengthen Oklahoma’s workforce in advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense, and AI infrastructure
The U.S. Department of Labor recently awarded Oklahoma with $6 million to expand employer-driven workforce training programs across the state. The initiative will help build a skilled workforce in three of the state's fastest-growing industries: aerospace and defense, advanced manufacturing, and AI infrastructure.
Oklahoma was among 14 states selected to receive a total of $86 million through the Department of Labor's Industry-Driven Skills Training Fund. Led by the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission, the grant will accelerate innovation, strengthen domestic production, and address critical workforce shortages.
America Achieves served as a key partner on the grant, helping to develop Oklahoma’s application. America Achieves will also play a central role as strategic advisor as the initiative begins, shaping program design and implementation.
This award builds on America Achieves’ proven track record of working with dozens of communities nationwide to design and secure nearly $250 million in bipartisan funding for economic and workforce development initiatives.
"Oklahoma is thrilled to be winning competitive grants. Federal investment represents a vote of confidence in how our partners are aligning around initiatives," said Trae Rahill, CEO of the Oklahoma Employment Security Commission. "This award is a win-win-win for Oklahoma employers, workers and our education system. Through this work with America Achieves and the Good Jobs Economy, we’ll continue leading the way in modernizing talent systems in our country – connecting people to real opportunities."
The initiative focuses on three key areas: effectively training both new and current workers, retaining skilled employees, and placing workers into new jobs in fast-growing industries. Workers will receive targeted training and upskilling opportunities aligned with employer demand, strengthening the talent pipeline and boosting regional economic competitiveness. Employers will receive funding through an outcomes-based approach.
In addition to collaborating with America Achieves, Oklahoma will work with partners including the Oklahoma Workforce Commission, Oklahoma Career Tech, the state’s colleges and universities, and Guild, the nation’s leading talent development organization.
"Oklahoma is showing how strategic investments in workforce development can create lasting economic opportunity," said Jon Schnur, CEO of America Achieves. "When we align funding for training with employer needs and connect workers to good jobs, we build stronger communities and a more competitive economy that works for everyone."
In July, America Achieves launched Good Jobs Economy partnerships to work alongside governors, states, and local regions to connect residents to good jobs while helping employers access skilled talent. Good Jobs Economy is a centerpiece of the National Governors Association (NGA) Chair’s Initiative, “Reigniting the American Dream,” led by Oklahoma Governor Stitt.
Oklahoma was one of two state partnerships announced at NGA’s summer meeting. The goal of Good Jobs Economy is to help hundreds of thousands of Americans reach and stay in the middle class by accessing good jobs and advancing their careers.
America Achieves is a national nonprofit organization working to help local communities and states ensure everyone has a clear path to a good job, no matter who they are, where they live, and whether or not they have a college degree. Our Good Jobs Economy initiative partners with states, regions and local workforce and economic development intermediaries to design, fund, and implement the programs, strategies and systems that create sustainable pathways to good jobs. As part of this Good Jobs Economy initiative, America Achieves is partnering with the National Governors Association Chair’s Initiative to modernize state talent systems that support the workforce efforts of regional coalitions.
