NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development awards nearly $3M in grants to businesses, organizations to bolster apprenticeship programs
NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has awarded a total of almost $3 million in funding to eight businesses and organizations under the Growing Apprenticeship In Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) grant program which supports the creation and expansion of apprenticeships throughout the state.
This program is part of the New Jersey Apprenticeship Network – an initiative that seeks to help all New Jerseyans cultivate careers across a wide range of employers.
“Apprenticeship has proven to be a valuable tool for building talent pipelines in any occupation, and we’re thrilled the state’s continued investments in this earn-while-you-learn model can assist our employers develop the skilled workforce they need,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “We’re proud to partner with our grantees, who have clearly demonstrated their commitment to providing the best opportunities for their workers.”
The GAINS grant program promotes expansion of United States Department of Labor (USDOL) approved Registered Apprenticeship programs to support better-paying careers and advanced credential attainment. The program seeks to develop new and existing apprenticeship programs and create Registered Apprenticeship programs in high-growth industries. The particular focus of GAINS grants is to promote equality of opportunity, upward mobility, and economic fairness.
“Our apprentices are an enormous benefit to our Lab, the state, and the nation,” said Steve Cowley, director of Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, a GAINS grantee. “Working on fusion energy, the ultimate clean energy source, requires a diverse range of skills, which our apprentices uniquely possess. They bring vitality to the Lab while also being an investment in the future. I’m proud they are a part of our community and that PPPL is contributing to New Jersey’s innovation economy.”
“With the rise of Alzheimer disease and other dementias, the demand for well-trained Home Health Aides (CHHA’s) has never been greater. The GAINS grant helps us attract, develop, and retain top talent at a time when the homecare industry is experiencing an unpreceded staffing shortage,” said Director of Training Chris Capobianco of GAINS recipient Baron-Queen Inc. dba Home Instead in Millburn. “Ultimately, our comprehensive dementia training gives CHHA’s the resources and necessary skills to manage this progressive and incurable disease.”
The Fiscal Year 2023 GAINS awardees are listed below:
| Fiscal Year 2023 Growing Apprenticeship In Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) | ||||
| Grantee Name | Counties to be Served | Occupation(s) | Grant Amount | # of Apprentices |
| Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences | Atlantic, Bergen, Burlington, Camden, Essex, Hudson, Hunterdon, Mercer Salem, and Union | Registered Nurse Residency | $631,285 | 475 |
| The Trustees of Princeton University | Statewide | Plumbing; Electrical Maintenance; Cyber Security; Quality Control Inspector; Safety Technician | $26,778 | 5 |
| Hand in Hand Healthcare Solutions L.L.C. | Statewide | Community Health Worker; Certified Nursing Assistant; Home Health Aide; Medical Assistant; Pharmacy Support Staff; Peer Support Specialist | $660,000 | 55 |
| Baron-Queen Inc. | Atlantic, Cape May, Essex, Hudson, Mercer, Middlesex, Monmouth, Ocean, and Union | Home Health Aide | $599,400 | 60 |
| International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825 | Middlesex | Operating Engineer | $204,200 | 50 |
| Voyagers Community School | Monmouth | Associate Teacher – Preschool | $11,986 | 5 |
| Marco Region Management L.L.C. | Hudson, Middlesex, Monmouth, and Ocean | Hair Stylist (Cosmetologist); Certified Massage Therapist; Esthetician | $584,650 | 50 |
| NJ Teamsters Apprenticeship and Training Fund | Statewide | Truck Driver, Heavy | $266,044 | 24 |
| TOTAL: | $2,984,343 | 724 | ||
Previous funding from FY 2022 GAINS grants was awarded to 16 applicants to onboard more than 900 apprentices in occupations such as Registered Nurse Residency, Water and Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator, Cyber Security Support Technician, Cook, Heating and Air Conditioning Installers, Laboratory Technician, Medical Assistant, and Medical Secretary – among others.
Governor Murphy established the New Jersey Apprenticeship Network soon after taking office to grow apprenticeship programs in New Jersey and make the Garden State a leader for apprenticeship programs nationwide. Since Governor Murphy took office in January 2018, New Jersey has added 563 Registered Apprenticeship programs, a 92 percent increase statewide. There are currently more than 8,300 active apprentices in over 1,100 programs throughout the state.
For more information on the New Jersey Office of Apprenticeship, click here.
