President Obama tours the Linamar auto-parts plant in Arden, North Carolina, Feb. 13, 2013. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

The United States is taking aim at boosting its manufacturing industries. President Barack Obama has announced that its the federal governments intention to direct money towards advancing new technologies, apprenticeship programs and competitions designed to assist small manufacturers. Obama hopes that this will increase manufacturing activities within the country.

The White House is announcing the executive actions as part of the days focus on manufacturing. It is being reported that administration officials consider this initiative to be one of the more positive actions of the economic recovery.

The U.S. federal government plan would:

Allow the Pentagon, NASA and the Energy and Agriculture departments to collectively spend $300 million to develop advanced materials and new technology for sensors and digital manufacturing.Direct $100 million in Labor Department funds for apprenticeship programs aimed at advanced manufacturing.Authorize the Commerce Department to spend $150 million over five years in 10 states to help manufacturers adopt and market new technologies.