The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved a $9.7 million grant initiative, the Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program, aimed at supporting the development of workforce training facilities in New Jersey's Overburdened Communities. The program is designed to offer access to low- or no-cost training and reduce transportation barriers, thereby preparing local residents for high-paying jobs and benefitting communities economically.
NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan stated, “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has continued to invest in innovative apprenticeship and workforce development programs, with a particular focus on expanding equity and diversity in a range of career paths.” Sullivan emphasized that the initiative builds on existing efforts to prepare New Jersey residents for sustainable careers and promote equitable economic opportunities.
The program will provide grants ranging from $500,000 to $6.5 million to sponsors of a Registered Apprenticeship Program, as defined by the United States Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. Eligible projects must be located within an Overburdened Community, as defined by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP). These communities are listed and visualized on the NJDEP's website.
The initiative is funded through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Workforce Development Partnership Fund. In February 2024, an MOU between the NJEDA and the NJDOL enabled the NJEDA to use this fund to support workforce development efforts. Since 2018, New Jersey has allocated nearly $100 million to enhance registered apprenticeship programs, resulting in a 138 percent increase in earn-while-you-learn opportunities.
Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo remarked, “This grant program amplifies the Murphy Administration’s record-setting commitment to apprenticeship, and we are taking decisive steps to ensure every resident has the opportunity to succeed in high-demand trades, fueling both personal advancement and regional progress.” Asaro-Angelo also highlighted New Jersey's commitment to building an inclusive economy through this initiative.
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