TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has awarded $9 million to 29 organizations to expand apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across the state.
The second round of fiscal year 2026 funding includes $6 million for 20 organizations through the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors, or GAINS, program and $3 million for nine organizations through the Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education, or PACE, program.
“These grants represent a significant investment in New Jersey’s workforce and demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing access to family-sustaining employment,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “By supporting both apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across diverse industries, we are ensuring workers have access to the training and opportunities they need to succeed in today’s economy, while helping employers build the skilled workforce that drives our state’s competitiveness.”
Since the state established its Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning in 2018, New Jersey has invested more than $125 million in programs supporting work-based learning, pre-apprenticeships and apprenticeships.
According to NJDOL, the investments have supported the creation of 1,081 new Registered Apprenticeship programs, a 177% increase since 2018, and helped onboard more than 30,000 new apprentices. New Jersey currently has 11,505 active apprentices participating in 1,692 programs.
“The GAINS and PACE programs work hand-in-hand to create comprehensive career pathways — from pre-apprenticeship preparation through registered apprenticeship and into long-term employment,” said Bill Sarboukh, Assistant Director of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. “This funding will help New Jersey residents gain the skills, credentials, and experience they need on the pathway to a rewarding career.”
GAINS grants
The $6 million in GAINS funding will support training for 556 people through 20 organizations. The program supports new and existing apprenticeship programs and the creation of Registered Apprenticeship programs in high-growth industries.
Funding can be used to offset training and related costs for new registered apprentices and reimburse up to 50% of a new apprentice’s wages, with a maximum reimbursement of $12,000 per apprentice over 52 work weeks.
NJDOL said $51.8 million in GAINS funding has been awarded over the past eight years, placing more than 8,560 registered apprentices into employment in fields ranging from education and nursing to technology and construction.
“School districts across New Jersey continue to face significant teacher shortages, and Brookdale is proud to help develop innovative solutions that benefit both educators and the communities they serve.” said David M. Stout, Ph.D., President of Brookdale Community College. “This continued investment by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development recognizes the success of our apprenticeship model and allows us to expand opportunities for aspiring teachers while helping school districts recruit and retain highly qualified professionals.”
Greg Lalevee, Business Manager for International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825, added: “IUOE Local 825 is honored to receive support through NJDOL’s GAINS program. This funding will strengthen our apprenticeship and skills training initiatives, expand opportunities for workers seeking careers as operating engineers — especially in the energy infrastructure, and help build a stronger, safer, more competitive workforce for New Jersey.”
The 20 GAINS recipients are:
- Learned Potential: $599,900 to train 50 people as early childhood educators, K-12 teachers and teacher aides.
- Local 9 Plumbers and Pipefitters Education Fund: $419,925 to train 35 people in pipefitting and plumbing.
- Move Me Brightly Consulting LLC: $596,814 to train 60 direct support specialists.
- New Jersey Tutoring Corps Inc.: $276,000 to train 24 tutors.
- Raritan Valley Young Men’s Christian Association: $36,000 to train three child care development specialists.
- Sandbar Joe’s: $24,000 to train two people as marketing coordinators and operations assistants.
- The Apprenticeship Network: $479,584 to train 40 early childhood educators.
- Twin Caps Consulting: $280,491 to train 25 home health aides, also titled health support specialists.
- The Trustees of Princeton University: $36,000 to train three mechanical engineering technicians and radiation monitors.
- ACI Learning: $372,770 to train 40 people as AI solutions specialists, cybersecurity support technicians, network support technicians, tech project coordinators and tech support specialists.
- Balanced Life Home Care Services LLC, doing business as BrightStar Care of Hunterdon: $233,190 to train 20 home health aides.
- Brookdale Community College: $360,000 to train 30 early childhood educators and elementary school teachers.
- Buggin Out Pest Control: $120,000 to train 10 termite exterminators.
- Composition Roofers Local No. 10 Apprentice Training Fund: $90,160 to train 12 roofers.
- Starr Beauty and Barber Academy LLC: $300,000 to train 25 barbers and cosmetologists.
- Kaizen Technologies Inc.: $469,550 to train 40 logistics engineers and certified nurse assistants.
- Baron-Queen Inc.: $749,759 to train 90 home health aides.
- Humanoidz NYC Foundation Inc.: $24,000 to train two robotics technicians.
- International Union of Operating Engineers Local 825: $360,000 to train 30 operating engineers.
- New Jersey Water Association: $171,857 to train 15 wastewater systems operators and water systems operation specialists.
PACE grants
Nine organizations received a combined $3 million through PACE to train 275 people.
PACE provides job readiness, essential skills and occupation-specific training to prepare participants for apprenticeships and other career opportunities. Funding can also help participants cover expenses such as child care, transportation and obtaining a high school equivalency diploma or GED.
Programs are required to partner with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor.
More than $27.9 million in PACE funding has been awarded since the program was established, preparing more than 3,900 pre-apprentices to enter Registered Apprenticeship programs, employment or post-secondary education and vocational training, according to NJDOL.
Dr. Juail Goode, Founder & CEO of PACE grantee Goode Education Group LLC, stated: “As a Newark native, I know what a single credential can do for a family; and as a workforce partner, I know pharmacy employers need skilled, credentialed pharmacy technicians ready to contribute from day one. The FY26 PACE grant allows Goode Education Group to meet both needs at once: our 12-week Pharmacy Technician Pre-Apprenticeship Program prepares New Jersey residents for the exact roles our employer partners are hiring for, creating a direct pipeline from training to employment. For our participants, that means a nationally recognized credential, a career pathway, and real opportunity for the community. We’re honored that NJDOL trusts community-based providers like ours to deliver.”
The nine PACE recipients are:
- American Training Center LLC: $236,467 to train 20 medical assistants.
- Brookdale Community College: $680,231 to train 75 K-12 teachers.
- DSimone Artistry: $475,000 to train 40 cosmetologists.
- East Orange School District: $224,413 to train 20 construction craft laborers.
- Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Center: $359,657 to train 30 carpenters.
- Egg Harbor Township School District: $604,527 to train 55 participants in occupations including education and training, emergency medical services, heating, ventilation and air conditioning, commercial driving and trades, manufacturing, construction, electrical work and patient care.
- Goode Education Group: $179,705 to train 15 pharmacy technicians.
- Hopeloft A NJ Nonprofit Corporation: $96,000 to train eight construction craft laborers.
- Woodbury City Public School District: $144,000 to train 12 electricians.
NJDOL said PACE programs can work with GAINS-funded programs to establish a pipeline of prepared candidates who can move from pre-apprenticeship training into Registered Apprenticeship programs.
