Employers, labor organizations, educational institutions, and other eligible groups can now apply for $7 million in funding through the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) and Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grant programs. The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Office of Apprenticeship announced virtual technical assistance workshops scheduled for November and December to guide applicants.
The GAINS program offers $5 million to develop new apprenticeship programs and create registered apprenticeships in high-growth industries. These initiatives emphasize equality of opportunity, upward mobility, and economic fairness. Proposals must ensure a starting wage of at least $17 per hour for new apprentices unless justified otherwise. Funding can cover training costs and reimburse up to 50% of wages for new apprentices, capped at $12,000 over 52 weeks.
Since its inception in 2018, GAINS has allocated $30 million to employ nearly 5,500 registered apprentices across various fields such as K-12 teaching, nursing residencies, home health care specializing in dementia, construction trades, among others. A two-hour online workshop on applying for a GAINS grant is set for November 13 and December 4.
The PACE program allocates $2 million primarily to promote equal opportunities while addressing economic barriers that hinder skill development. It provides tools like job readiness training and financial support for related costs such as childcare or transportation. Programs must partner with at least one registered apprenticeship sponsor to expand career pathways through industry-based training leading to better-paying jobs.
Since 2018, PACE has awarded over $16 million to prepare more than 2,700 pre-apprentices for further education or employment. Organizations linked with the GAINS program are encouraged to apply for PACE grants as they offer a candidate pipeline for registered apprenticeships funded by GAINS.
A two-hour workshop on applying for a PACE grant will be held online on November 14 and December 5. Registration is required three days prior. Letters of intent are due by noon on December 13 with full applications due by noon on December 20. More information is available on NJDOL’s Grant Opportunities website.
