WA Grant for Apprenticeship

Apprentices can get grant money to help pay for expenses

WA Grant isn’t only for traditional college students. WA Grant for Apprenticeship includes funding for qualified apprentices in a variety of programs in Washington.

Eligible apprentices can receive money to cover costs associated with their apprenticeship program.

A family of four making up to $120,500 can qualify for WG-A

To qualify for WG-A you must:

Work in a participating WG-A program.
Have a high school diploma or equivalent.
Be a resident of Washington State.
Meet requirements related to family income and need.
Not have a bachelor’s degree or higher.

How to apply

How to apply

If you are employed as an apprentice with a participating WG-A Sponsor, reach out to your Sponsor for their application process.
- Some Sponsors have their own Financial Aid Administrator. Other Sponsors utilize WSAC’s approved third-party servicer (ANEW) as their Financial Aid Administrator. Your Sponsor will direct you to their application process.
Complete and submit the WG-A application as directed by your Sponsor.
If you are eligible for WG-A, you will receive a financial aid offer along with conditions of the award to accept.
Maintain eligibility by meeting Satisfactory Program Progress requirements as outlined in your financial aid offer.
For questions regarding your eligibility or financial aid offer, please reach out to your Sponsor’s Financial Aid Administrator.

Participating WG-A program sponsors

Not all programs offered by a Sponsor are approved for WG-A. Reach out to your Sponsor for eligible programs.

Sponsor not listed? Direct your Program Sponsor to the WG-A apprenticeship Program Providers page for options to participate in the WG-A program.

FAQs

What if my Sponsor isn’t listed as a participating Program Sponsor?

Sponsors must apply to participate in the WG-A program. Please direct your Program Sponsor to the WG-A Apprenticeship Program Providers page for options to apply to participate in the WG-A program.

What is Satisfactory Program Progress (SPP)?

To maintain eligibility for WG-A, apprentices must meet Satisfactory Program Progress (SPP) requirements that are specific to each eligible apprenticeship program. In general, SPP includes completing a required number of on-the-job training hours and related supplemental instruction. Contact your Sponsor’s Financial Aid Administrator if you have questions regarding your program’s SPP requirements.

Do I have to pay WG-A funds back?

If you meet all eligibility requirements, including Satisfactory Program Progress, WG-A funds do not need to be repaid. Please contact your Sponsor’s Financial Aid Administrator if you have questions regarding your financial aid offer requirements.

Not an apprentice yet? What to know:

WSAC does not place or hire apprentices. Apprentices are hired directly by employers. Use the tabs below to help you discover more about beginning an apprenticeship program.

Apprenticeships in Washington

An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training with job-related instruction from experienced workers who teach you the skills of their craft. Apprentices learn job skills, gain experience, and ultimately earn a credential.

Most apprenticeships are designed for high school graduates or job seekers with a GED, but some are for high school students.

Whether you want an office job or something outdoors, work in a city or somewhere in rural Washington, there are apprenticeship opportunities waiting for you.

For information on getting started as an apprentice, visit the Department of Labor & Industries’ resource page on becoming an apprentice.

Veterans and miliary-connected family members, visit the Washington Department of Veteran’s Affair’s apprenticeship resource page.

Financial aid for apprentices

WA Grant and WA Grant for Apprenticeship

WA Grant is one of the most generous financial aid programs in the country. Recent high school graduates and working-age adults from income-eligible families can qualify to receive money for college or career training. There are two categories of WA Grant: WA Grant and WA Grant for Apprenticeship (WG-A). Both help income-eligible apprentices pay for tuition, fees, and materials.

WA Grant: Apprenticeships on a college campus
For apprenticeships that are part of an eligible program of study at an eligible institution, such as a community or technical college, apprentices should complete a financial aid application. Learn more on the WA Grant page.
WA Grant for Apprenticeship: Apprenticeships sponsored by employers
Apprentices in non-campus-based programs are encouraged to check with their program sponsor to ensure they participate in WCG-A. Sponsors must apply and have approval to take part in WCG-A to be eligible to offer funds to eligible apprentices. Interested sponsors can learn more on the WG-A Apprenticeship Program Providers page.

Passport to Careers

Passport to Apprenticeship supports youth and young adults, ages 13-21, who have experienced foster care or unaccompanied homelessness. The program supports people in registered apprenticeship or pre-apprenticeship programs. Funds can cover tuition and fees for classes, and occupational costs like work clothes and tools. To learn more, please contact passport@wsac.wa.gov.

Participating WG-A program sponsors

Not all programs offered by a Sponsor are approved for WG-A. Reach out to your Sponsor for eligible programs.

Sponsor not listed? Direct your Program Sponsor to the WG-A apprenticeship Program Providers page for options to participate in the WG-A program.

Resources

Use the Career Connect Washington Directory and Career Bridge to find a career exploration, preparation, or on-the-job learning opportunity near you.
Explore Apprenticeship: Learn more about apprenticeships in Washington, and why on-the-job learning might be right for you.
Find an Apprenticeship Program: Search for an apprenticeship program by county and occupation, by name, or by employer on the LNI website.
Veterans and Military-Connected Family Members: Visit the Washington Department of Veteran’s Affairs Apprenticeship resource page.