Women Gain Ground in Trades With Revived WANTO Grant Support

On July 9, 2025, the U.S. Department of Labor announced $5 million in Women in Apprenticeship and Nontraditional Occupations (WANTO) grants to fund up to 14 community-based organizations. These grants aim to recruit, train, and retain women in high-growth fields like construction, manufacturing, and cybersecurity. The announcement marks a critical step toward addressing persistent gender gaps in skilled trades, where women remain underrepresented despite growing demand for workers.

For decades, women have faced steep barriers entering apprenticeships that lead to stable, well-paying careers. With only 14 percent of registered apprentices being women, the need for targeted support is clear. WANTO's revival offers hope, equipping women with skills and resources to thrive in industries long dominated by men.

This funding follows a turbulent period. Earlier in 2025, dozens of WANTO grants were abruptly canceled, sparking legal battles and community outcry. The reinstatement, while welcome, underscores a broader fight over workforce equity and the role of federal programs in leveling the playing field.

WANTO grants empower community organizations to provide practical solutions. Past recipients have funded childcare, transportation, and mentorship, directly addressing obstacles that deter women from completing apprenticeships. These services are necessities for single mothers, low-income women, and others balancing work and training.

Research shows these supports work. Women in WANTO-funded programs are more likely to secure skilled jobs and stay employed long-term. For example, a 2023 study found that comprehensive pre-apprenticeship programs with wrap-around services doubled female completion rates compared to standard programs.

Despite these successes, women still earn less than men after completing apprenticeships, with median exit wages of $22 per hour compared to $34 for men. This gap, driven by occupational segregation, highlights the need for sustained investment in programs like WANTO that tackle systemic inequities head-on.

The WANTO program, authorized in 1992, has long been a cornerstone of federal efforts to diversify skilled trades. From 2016 to 2021, bipartisan support expanded its budget and added flexibilities for supportive services, recognizing their role in boosting retention. By 2024, WANTO awarded $6 million to nine grantees, its largest cycle yet.

Challenges emerged in 2025. Executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives led to the termination of over two dozen active grants. Community organizations reported layoffs and program closures, disrupting services for thousands of women. A February 2025 court injunction partially restored funding, but the episode revealed the fragility of programs reliant on federal priorities.

The July announcement signals a cautious restart, with grants now emphasizing measurable outcomes like job placements. While this focus aligns with workforce goals, advocates worry that reduced funding and narrower criteria could limit the program's reach, particularly for marginalized women facing multiple barriers.

Investing in women's apprenticeships yields clear economic benefits. Completers earn higher wages than peers with similar education, reducing reliance on public assistance and boosting tax revenues. A diversified workforce also strengthens industries facing skilled-labor shortages, from infrastructure to clean energy.

Beyond economics, WANTO fosters social change. Increasing women in trades narrows the gender wage gap, lifts families out of poverty, and challenges workplace cultures that exclude or marginalize. The program's modest $5 million budget funds only a fraction of the need, leaving many communities underserved.

Abrupt grant cancellations earlier this year showed the risks of instability. Community organizations, often small and budget-constrained, faced financial ruin when funding was pulled. The restored grants offer relief, but advocates argue for a bolder commitment to ensure long-term impact.

To truly transform the workforce, WANTO's budget needs to grow to at least $20 million annually, enabling more organizations to serve diverse communities. Embedding requirements for anti-harassment training and supportive services would further improve outcomes, ensuring women enter and thrive in these fields.

Integrating WANTO with broader infrastructure and clean-energy investments could amplify its impact. As the nation rebuilds roads, bridges, and power grids, targeted apprenticeship programs can ensure women share in the economic opportunities, creating a more inclusive recovery.

Transparency and accountability matter too. Mandating gender-disaggregated reporting would track progress and identify gaps, while bipartisan oversight could protect the program from political swings, securing its place as a vital tool for equity.

The reinstatement of WANTO grants is a victory for women seeking economic mobility and for communities building stronger, more inclusive economies. The program's future hinges on sustained funding and a commitment to addressing structural barriers, rather than solely meeting numerical targets.

As industries like cybersecurity and advanced manufacturing grow, women's participation will shape the nation's competitiveness and resilience. Programs like WANTO, though small, carry outsized potential to rewrite who gets to build America's future.

The fight for equity in skilled trades is far from over, but with renewed support, women are proving they belong in every workshop, construction site, and tech hub. Their success will measure the nation's progress toward a fairer, more prosperous tomorrow.