NJ: Dept. of Labor Awards $6.3 Million in Grants for Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs | Trade and Industry Development

NJ: Dept. of Labor Awards $6.3 Million in Grants for Apprenticeship and Pre-Apprenticeship Programs

Jun 24, 2024

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has awarded more than $6.3 million in grant funding through Round 2 of the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) and Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grant programs to foster the creation and expansion of apprenticeships throughout the state.

New Jersey has invested more than $71 million through grant programs to create and develop work-based learning, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs across the state. Since Governor Murphy took office in January 2018, 768 new Registered Apprenticeship programs have been created in New Jersey – a more than 100 percent increase resulting in the onboarding of more than 18,600 new apprentices. The state currently has 8,695 active apprentices serving in 1,379 programs.

“Investing in apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs directly supports the current and long-term viability of our state’s skilled workforce,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “It is a privilege to empower New Jerseyans to obtain in-demand and critical career-readiness skills, setting them firmly on the path to gainful employment.”

“The fact is, apprenticeship is a proven model for developing a skilled workforce,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “As demand for qualified workers continues to increase throughout New Jersey, these programs will help more individuals master occupational skills and enter rewarding careers.”

“The New Jersey Department of Labor’s allocation of over $6.3 million in grants to support apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs is a significant investment in the future of our workforce and our state’s economic growth,” said Acting Commissioner of Education Kevin Dehmer. “It’s this kind of innovative workforce development investment that will not only help address the Garden State’s need for highly skilled teachers, but also fosters a strong partnership between education and labor.”

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