Legislation requiring New Jersey School Report Cards to include data on high school graduates entering apprenticeships was advanced by the Senate Education Committee on Monday. The bill, S. 1733, is sponsored by Senator Troy Singleton (D-7) and has received support from the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA).
Currently, the state Department of Education’s annual accountability reports provide a range of data about each school and district’s performance, focusing primarily on college-bound graduates. The proposed legislation would expand this to also recognize apprenticeship placements. NJBIA is advocating for further amendments so that workforce training program placements are also included as valued postsecondary outcomes.
Althea D. Ford, NJBIA Vice President of Government Affairs, submitted written testimony to the committee stating: “High-quality workforce training programs—offered through county colleges, vocational schools, nonprofit providers, and employer-led partnerships—are often the fastest and most effective pathway into in-demand jobs.”
Ford added: “Recognizing placement into these programs validates the real-world outcomes that high schools are increasingly working to deliver and aligns accountability metrics with today’s labor market.”
Following the committee vote to release the bill, NJBIA said it is working with Senator Singleton to secure future amendments ensuring School Report Cards will also reflect workforce training program placements.
Ford emphasized that broadening the definition of postsecondary placement could incentivize stronger partnerships between employers and training providers while acknowledging all available options for students after graduation.
“For graduates, it affirms that choosing a skills-based pathway is not a lesser outcome, but a credible, valued route to economic mobility,” Ford said.
She continued: “From the perspective of the business community, transparent reporting on workforce training placement helps align education systems with labor demand and strengthens New Jersey’s competitiveness. With a modest amendment, S-1773 can better capture success, expand opportunity, and reflect how students truly move from classroom to career.”
The New Jersey Business and Industry Association represents private-sector employers across various industries in New Jersey. It serves as one of the largest statewide employer associations in the country and works to advance its members’ competitive excellence while providing advocacy and essential services. Michele Siekerka is president and chief executive officer of NJBIA. The association also fosters partnerships among businesses, government agencies, and academic institutions.
