JobForward

Name

JobForward

Legal name

JobForward

Website

https://jobforward.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2025

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Services

NAICS

Apprenticeship Training (611513), Employment Placement Agencies (561311), Employment Placement Agencies and Executive Search Services (56131), Vocational Rehabilitation Services (6243)

SIC

Services-Management Consulting Services (8742), Services-Educational Services (8200), Services-Employment Agencies (7361)

akta.pro primary industry

Apprenticeships, Internships & Work-Based Learning Programs (BPACANAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Employer-Led Workforce Partnerships & Sector Strategies (EDAAAOAB), Job Placement, Matching & Career Navigation Services (EDAAAOAL), Workforce Development, Employment Readiness & Job Placement (BPADAKAE)

Keywords

• Workforce development consulting
• Registered apprenticeship programs
• Apprenticeship intermediary services
• Grant funding assistance
• Talent pipeline development

Headquarters

HQ city

Williston

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices2 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Workforce Consulting and Technical Assistance: Fee-for-service consulting engagements with employers, workforce boards, government agencies, and business associations. Services include needs assessments, workforce strategy, program design, grant writing, and implementation support. Delivered under GSA MAS Schedule (SIN 541611) for government clients.
2. Apprenticeship Intermediary Services: JobForward enrolls apprentices on behalf of employers and employer groups that choose not to become direct apprenticeship sponsors. Revenue derived from program development, delivery, and sponsor fees.
3. Grant and Incentive Data Management: JobForward manages grant and incentive compliance data for clients, including California ETP contract management. Revenue generated through data management service fees.
4. Workforce Funding Assistance: JobForward assists clients in identifying and securing workforce funding including state, federal, and local grants, tax incentives, and on-the-job training funding. Fee structure likely project-based or contingency-based.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

JobForward is a national non-profit workforce intermediary that designs, delivers, and sponsors Registered Apprenticeship programs on behalf of employers, while providing workforce consulting and grant funding assistance to employers, workforce boards, educators, and government agencies. The organization offers a combined portfolio of workforce planning, apprenticeship standards registration, intermediary sponsorship, grant writing, and grant management services, holding a GSA MAS Schedule (SIN 541611) for direct government engagement.

Product overview

JobForward is a national non-profit workforce intermediary organization that offers a unified portfolio of workforce development services, not a single software product. The core offerings include Workforce Consulting (needs assessments, strategy, implementation), Registered Apprenticeship Programs (development, delivery, and intermediary sponsorship), Workforce Funding Assistance (grant writing, tax incentives), Grant & Incentive Data Management, and the California ETP Funding Calculator tool. Specific named apprenticeship programs include IBM Z Mainframe, Hypertherm CNC Machinist, Phlebotomy, Sterile Processing Technician, and Surgical Technologist. JobForward also holds a GSA MAS contract for consulting services under SIN 541611. The organization operates as an apprenticeship sponsor and standards holder, connecting employers, educators, workforce boards, and job seekers.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Workforce Consulting Services Needs assessments, workforce strategy development, implementation planning, and project management services for employers and workforce stakeholders across multiple industries.
• Registered Apprenticeship Programs Development, implementation, and delivery of Registered Apprenticeship Programs for employers across multiple occupations and industries, with standards registration and compliance support through the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeship.
• Workforce Funding Assistance Grant writing, funding applications, tax incentive identification, and connection to federal, state, and local workforce funding sources, including California ETP, DOL grants, and apprenticeship incentives.
• Apprenticeship Intermediary Services JobForward serves as apprenticeship standards holder and sponsor for employers and employer groups that choose not to become direct sponsors, enabling businesses to offer Registered Apprenticeship benefits without the administrative burden of direct sponsorship.
• Grant and Incentive Data Management Proprietary system for managing grant and incentive compliance data with encryption during transit and at rest and two-factor authentication, ensuring accurate reporting to government and funding agencies.
• GSA MAS Contract Services (SIN 541611) Approved GSA Multiple Award Schedule holder delivering management consulting, acquisition and grants management support, and business program management services under SIN 541611 for federal, state, and local government agencies.
• IBM Z Apprenticeship Program Paid apprenticeship program for IBM Z Mainframe technology careers, including Mainframe System Administrator and Application Developer pathways, with pre-apprenticeship training through IBM Z Skills Depot and partnership with employers including IBM and M&T Bank.
• Hypertherm CNC Machinist Apprenticeship CNC Machine Operator apprenticeship program with Hypertherm Associates in Lebanon and Hanover, New Hampshire, including technical training and Department of Labor approved certification delivered through Hypertherm's Technical Training Institute.
• Phlebotomy Apprenticeship Healthcare apprenticeship program for phlebotomists in partnership with University of Vermont Medical Center, including classroom instruction and on-the-job training leading to nationally recognized credentials.
• Surgical Technologist Apprenticeship Apprenticeship program for surgical technologists with University of Vermont Health Network, with the inaugural cohort signing Apprenticeship Agreements in 2026 and serving hospitals across the network.
• Sterile Processing Technician Apprenticeship Apprenticeship program for sterile processing technicians in partnership with healthcare employers across the UVM Health Network, preparing participants for certification and employment.

Quantifiable outcome

• 73% apprenticeship completion rate — more than double the national average
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers9 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature2 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• AICPA (American Institute of Certified Public Accountants)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2026JobForward supports the AICPA's Registered Apprenticeship for Finance Business Partners, a non-traditional apprenticeship in the accounting/finance sector. Joanne Fiore, VP of Pipeline and Apprenticeships at AICPA, serves on JobForward's Board of Directors. National Apprenticeship Day celebrations featured LinkedIn Live panels with AICPA participation.
• Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 April 2026JobForward has partnered with PG&E to translate their 35 state-certified Registered Apprenticeship programs (with 930 active apprentices) into U.S. Department of Labor federal standards. This involved aligning PG&E's DAS (California Division of Apprenticeship Standards) program language with DOL Office of Apprenticeship requirements. PG&E operates one of the largest utility apprenticeship programs in the country, covering occupations including line workers, gas pipeline technicians, and specialized utility roles. A formal signing ceremony was held at PG&E's Winters Gas Safety Academy (April 2026) with DOL, DAS, IBEW 1245, and JobForward leadership present.
• IBMflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026JobForward serves as the intermediary sponsor for the IBM Z Apprenticeship Program, creating pathways for talent development in IBM mainframe technology. The program includes IBM Z Mainframe System Administrator and Application Developer tracks. JobForward hosts a Standards Signing Ceremony in Washington DC during National Apprenticeship Week 2026 with IBM and M&T Bank participating. IBM provides the Skills Depot platform with free IBM Z 101 online courses and self-paced labs.
• M&T BankcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 April 2026M&T Bank participated as employer partner in the IBM Z Apprenticeship Standards signing ceremony alongside IBM, US DOL, and JobForward during National Apprenticeship Week 2026 in Washington DC. M&T Bank represents a financial services employer leveraging the IBM Z mainframe apprenticeship to develop technology talent.
• University of Vermont Health NetworkflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2025JobForward supported UVM Health Network in becoming a newly approved Registered Apprenticeship intermediary sponsor. Programs developed include Surgical Technologist apprenticeship and Sterile Processing Technician apprenticeship, serving hospitals across the network. A signing ceremony was held May 1, 2026 with Vermont Department of Labor, Senator Welch's office, and network leadership. The inaugural cohort of Surgical Technologist apprentices signed their Apprenticeship Agreements at the event.
• Baltimore City Public SchoolsminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 April 2025JobForward supported student Mathias through the Maryland Youth Apprenticeship program, helping him complete the AICPA Finance Apprenticeship. JobForward attended the Baltimore City Public Schools Apprenticeship Graduation Celebration on National Apprenticeship Day 2025.
• University of Vermont Medical Center (UVMMC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025UVMMC partners with JobForward for multiple healthcare apprenticeship programs including a Phlebotomy Apprenticeship (Spring 2027 cohort) and a prior Medical Coding apprenticeship through which apprentice Gabby Snook progressed to become a lead phlebotomist. UVMMC provides on-the-job training sites and employs apprenticeship graduates.
• Hypertherm AssociatescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025Hypertherm Associates, a 100% associate-owned ESOP company in Lebanon and Hanover, New Hampshire, partners with JobForward for CNC Machine Operator apprenticeship. JobForward's predecessor (IAA) was a customer of Hypertherm for 12 years before Matthew McKenney joined as CEO. Hypertherm's Technical Training Institute delivers the apprenticeship curriculum. The apprenticeship requires 3rd shift work (Sunday–Thursday, 11pm–7am).
• California Employment Training Panel (ETP)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2025California ETP provides workforce training funding reimbursements that JobForward helps employers access. JobForward has secured over $85 million in ETP funding for client companies. ETP staff facilitated the introduction between PG&E and JobForward for DOL apprenticeship standards work. ETP also connects employers with JobForward's apprenticeship and technical assistance services.
• University of New Hampshire — Institute on DisabilitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024UNH's Institute on Disability runs two behavioral health workforce apprenticeship programs: Building Futures Together (paraprofessionals in social and human services, running since 2020) and Steps to Success (behavioral health aides, launched February 2025). JobForward provides wraparound support for employer partners and guidance on the apprenticeship model. UNH delivers online coursework via Canvas with digital badges, certificates, and college credit options.
• Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024ACCT's Center for Policy and Practice houses a 4-year apprenticeship project (in its second year) focused on developing training modules and planning guides for community colleges to become Registered Apprenticeship sponsors, particularly in non-traditional and emerging occupations. JobForward developed written materials and planning guides for ACCT's project, working with approximately 10-19 colleges in the first cohort. Steve Lutton (JobForward COO) served as primary contact.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Apprenti: Apprenti is a tech-focused Registered Apprenticeship intermediary that connects employers with technology apprenticeship talent in IT and software roles. It is comparable to JobForward's IBM Z and IT apprenticeship offerings and operates a similar intermediary sponsorship model.
• Year Up: Year Up is a national workforce development nonprofit that provides training and apprenticeship pathways to young adults, partnering with employers across IT, financial services, and business. It is comparable to JobForward in the apprenticeship-for-underemployed-youth segment and the multi-stakeholder partnership model.
• Per Scholas: Per Scholas is a national nonprofit that provides no-cost IT training and apprenticeship pathways connecting graduates to employer partners. It overlaps with JobForward on technology apprenticeship design and employer-sponsored training delivery.
• WRTP / Big Step: WRTP/Big Step is a Wisconsin-based workforce intermediary that operates apprenticeship programs and sector-based training for employers across multiple industries. It is comparable to JobForward as both function as apprenticeship intermediaries combining program design, employer engagement, and workforce funding support.
• CareerWise: CareerWise is a national youth apprenticeship intermediary that designs and manages Registered Apprenticeship programs on behalf of employers and school districts. It is directly comparable to JobForward as both serve as intermediary sponsors running multi-employer apprenticeship programs across states.
• Safal Partners: Safal Partners is a workforce development consulting firm that provides technical assistance, apprenticeship program design, and grant management to employers and government agencies. It is comparable to JobForward's consulting-plus-funding model and frequently competes for the same GSA-style government contracts.
• Maher & Maher (RGP Workforce): Maher & Maher, now part of RGP Workforce, is a workforce development consulting firm that delivers apprenticeship technical assistance, grant writing, and program implementation to employers and workforce boards. It is comparable to JobForward on the consulting, apprenticeship design, and grant management service bundle.

Others

• National Skills Coalition: National Skills Coalition is a workforce policy advocacy organization that influences federal and state funding for apprenticeship and skills training. It is thematically related to JobForward as an ecosystem player shaping the policy and funding environment in which JobForward operates.
• Jobs for the Future (JFF): Jobs for the Future is a national nonprofit that drives workforce transformation through research, policy, and program design — including apprenticeship initiatives. It is adjacent to JobForward as an enabler in the apprenticeship ecosystem, frequently funding or partnering with intermediaries rather than operating programs directly.

Regional players

• Pacific Gateway Center: Pacific Gateway Center is a California-based workforce intermediary serving immigrants and disadvantaged job seekers through apprenticeship and job placement programs. It is comparable to JobForward in the apprenticeship intermediary function and California focus, though it serves a more narrowly defined population.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/jobforward.org
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/JobForward

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about JobForward