The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) Office of Apprenticeship has announced $9 million in funding for the expansion of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the state. This funding is available through a second round of Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) and Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grants.
Since the start of Governor Phil Murphy’s administration, more than $110 million has been invested to develop work-based learning, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs. These investments have resulted in 972 new Registered Apprenticeship programs—a 159% increase—and 26,577 new apprentices. There are currently 10,575 active apprentices participating in 1,583 programs statewide.
“This $9 million in grant funding demonstrates New Jersey’s ongoing commitment to building a workforce that is both skilled and adaptable, ensuring our residents are better equipped for the challenges of the modern economy,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.
“The GAINS and PACE grants are pivotal in this mission, providing vital support to apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. By investing in these initiatives, we are not only fostering career growth and mobility but also paving a pathway for a more inclusive and prosperous future for every New Jerseyan.”
The GAINS program will distribute $6 million to develop new or existing apprenticeship programs with an emphasis on high-growth industries. Proposals must offer new apprentices at least $18 per hour unless otherwise justified. Funding can be used to offset training costs or reimburse up to half of an apprentice’s wages—up to $12,000 over one year.
Since 2018, GAINS has awarded $45.8 million to place over 6,000 Registered Apprentices into employment across occupations such as teaching, nursing residencies, home health aides specializing in dementia care, construction trades, among others.
Gabriela Timothy from LearnED Potential L.L.C., a GAINS grantee, stated: “The GAINS grant has been instrumental in allowing LearnED Potential to expand and strengthen our Registered Teacher Apprenticeship programs across New Jersey. With this funding, we have been able to remove financial barriers for dozens of aspiring educators, increase access to high-quality training and mentorship, and build sustainable pathways into the teaching profession, particularly for individuals from underrepresented communities. Since receiving GAINS support, our program capacity, performance outcomes, and employer partnerships have grown significantly, directly contributing to a more prepared and diverse educator workforce for New Jersey’s students.”
Key dates for the GAINS program include virtual technical assistance workshops on February 19 and March 25; letters of intent are due April 10; applications are due April 17.
The PACE program will provide $3 million primarily aimed at promoting equal opportunities while reducing economic barriers that prevent skill development. PACE supports job readiness training as well as covering related participant costs such as childcare or transportation expenses needed for attaining credentials like GEDs.
PACE-funded organizations must partner with at least one Registered Apprenticeship sponsor so participants can transition into further industry-based training or higher-paying jobs with advanced credentials. More than $25 million has already been distributed through PACE since Murphy took office—helping prepare over 3,200 individuals for apprenticeships or additional education/training.
David I. Spang Ph.D., M.B.A., Acting President at Rowan College at Burlington County (RCBC), commented: “The PACE Grant has played a vital role in strengthening Rowan College at Burlington County’s commitment to the community by expanding access to training and employment opportunities that lead to meaningful careers and sustainable living-wage employment. Through PACE funding RCBC has been able to support community members who may otherwise face barriers… helping them take confident first steps toward long-term career success.”
Organizations working with GAINS partners are encouraged also apply for PACE grants which can serve as pipelines into registered apprenticeship positions funded by GAINS.
Virtual technical assistance workshops for PACE applicants will be held January 22 and February 18; letters of intent must be submitted by March 6; applications by March 13.
Full application instructions are available on NJDOL’s Grant Opportunities website along with details about all current grant offerings.
