New Jersey announces $6M in grants to expand apprenticeship and job training opportunities
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced $6 million in available grant funding to help employers create and expand apprenticeship programs that allow workers to earn wages while receiving job training.
The funding is available through the first round of the fiscal year 2027 Growing Apprenticeships in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) grant program, which supports employers and organizations developing new registered apprenticeship programs or expanding existing programs into additional occupations.
The program is designed to help businesses develop skilled workers while providing New Jersey residents with opportunities to combine paid, on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Participants can earn nationally recognized credentials while preparing for long-term careers.
Employers may receive reimbursement for up to 50% of wages paid to newly hired apprentices, capped at $12,000 per apprentice over one year. Additional funding is available to help cover training expenses, including instructors, materials and curriculum development.
“Registered Apprenticeship is one of the most effective workforce development strategies, addressing employers’ immediate hiring needs while creating life-changing career opportunities for workers,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “This investment empowers New Jersey businesses to develop the skilled workforce they need to compete and thrive, while ensuring that workers earn good wages from day one and gain the credentials and experience that lead to long-term career success.”
According to NJDOL, the state has awarded $51.8 million in GAINS funding over the past eight years, helping place more than 8,560 registered apprentices into employment.
The program has supported apprenticeships in a variety of occupations, including K-12 teaching, nursing, home health care, engineering technology, network support and construction trades.
“GAINS funding makes apprenticeship accessible to employers who might otherwise struggle with the upfront costs of program development and training,” said Bill Sarboukh, assistant director of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. “Whether it’s a small business hiring their first apprentice or a large organization expanding into new occupations, this grant provides the financial support and technical assistance to help build a customized training program that meets specific workforce needs.”
The funding can be used for several aspects of apprenticeship development, including wage reimbursement, technical instruction, curriculum development, instructor expenses, supplies and mentorship.
Grants may also cover supportive services such as child care and transportation, along with administrative expenses associated with establishing or expanding apprenticeship programs.
To qualify, programs must be registered with the U.S. Department of Labor and align with approved apprenticeship occupations. Apprentices must be New Jersey residents, and participating employers must maintain a business presence in the state.
Apprentices must receive a starting wage of at least $18 per hour, and wage reimbursements are available for up to 52 weeks.
One organization already benefiting from GAINS funding is the Delsea Regional School District in Franklinville, which is using the program to establish additional career advancement opportunities for educators.
“Teachers should not have to leave the classroom to grow as leaders,” said Dr. Anthony Fitzpatrick, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction. “The GAINS grant will help us turn that belief into a structured career pathway through our Lead Teacher Apprenticeship Program. By strengthening collaboration between the educators at the Delsea Regional School District, we are investing in our educators and building instructional leadership from within. Participating teachers will develop their skills through mentorship, job-embedded learning, and opportunities to support their colleagues. Ultimately, this investment reaches beyond the apprentices themselves: it strengthens teaching and expands opportunities for the students we serve.”
NJDOL will host two virtual technical assistance workshops for prospective applicants on Thursday, Oct. 22, and Tuesday, Nov. 10, both beginning at 1 p.m.
Applicants are strongly encouraged to attend one of the workshops and must register at least three business days in advance.
Registration is available for the Oct. 22 workshop and the Nov. 10 workshop.
Letters of intent must be submitted by noon Friday, Nov. 27, and completed applications are due by noon Friday, Dec. 4.
