The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced an investment of $7.9 million in the latest round of grant funding to support apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the state. The funds were awarded through the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) and Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grant programs.
Under Governor Murphy’s administration since 2018, the state has committed approximately $60 million through various grant programs, fostering the creation and development of work-based learning initiatives, pre-apprenticeship programs, and apprenticeship opportunities. This substantial investment has led to the establishment of 678 new Registered Apprenticeship programs, marking a remarkable 100 percent increase. Furthermore, 17,454 new apprentices have been onboarded, and the state currently hosts 8,611 active apprentices participating in 1,289 programs.
Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo emphasized the mutual benefits of apprenticeship programs, stating, “Apprenticeship programs are a win-win for businesses and their workforces. Through these programs, employers can build lasting talent pipelines and shape the skilled employees they need to stay competitive, while workers earn a wage along with acquiring advanced training to boost their careers.”
GAINS Program: A total of $5 million has been allocated to 13 grantees through the GAINS program, with an expected placement of 1,018 new apprentices. Occupations covered by the GAINS program include cryogenics mechanical technician, K-12 teacher apprentice, wastewater treatment plant operator, robotics technician, and more. The initiative focuses on developing new and existing apprenticeship programs in high-growth industries, promoting equality of opportunity, upward mobility, and economic fairness.
Gabriela Timothy, founder and CEO of Learned Potential LLC, expressed gratitude as a recent GAINS grantee, stating, “This incredible opportunity will propel us closer to our mission of empowerment through education. With this grant, we can establish our Teacher Apprenticeship program and hire a dedicated team to ensure its successful launch and implementation.”
Notably, the GAINS program has made significant strides in promoting opportunities for women and people of color, with over two-thirds of grantees being women or minorities. Women now account for half of GAINS apprentices, exceeding five times the statewide average, effectively doubling the number of women enrolled in Registered Apprenticeship programs in New Jersey.
PACE Program: The PACE program received just over $2.9 million, benefiting eight awardees and targeting the placement of 470 pre-apprentices. Occupations covered by PACE include home health care, massage therapy, advanced manufacturing, and fiber optics. Designed to overcome economic barriers to upskilling, PACE programs provide job readiness, essential skills, and occupation-specific training. Funding can be used to offer stipends for supportive services such as childcare and transportation.
Dr. Anthony J. Iacono, President of the County College of Morris, a PACE grantee, highlighted the positive impact, stating, “Receiving the Department of Labor PACE grant positively impacts our students, manufacturing partners, the college, and the communities we serve.”
Pre-apprenticeship programs funded through PACE aim to prepare participants for placement into a Registered Apprenticeship program, post-secondary college, occupation-specific career training program, or directly into the workforce. PACE programs must collaborate with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor, expanding career pathways with industry-based training and classroom instruction, leading to better-paying positions and advanced credentials.
For a comprehensive list of the latest GAINS and PACE grantees, click here.
For more information on the New Jersey Office of Apprenticeship, click here.
