Sherrill kicks off National Apprenticeship Week at Princeton lab, highlights workforce programs
TRENTON, N.J. — Gov. Mikie Sherrill joined state and federal officials Monday at the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory to kick off National Apprenticeship Week and highlight New Jersey’s expanding apprenticeship programs.
The event marked the start of the U.S. Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week, which runs from April 26 through May 2. New Jersey observes the entire month of April as “Apprenticeship Month,” promoting workforce development through earn-and-learn career pathways.
Officials highlighted the laboratory’s registered apprenticeship program in fusion energy and engineering, launched in 2019 with support from the U.S. Department of Energy and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. The program trains technicians to build and operate fusion reactors, a developing source of carbon-free energy.
PPPL’s first class graduated in November 2023, and the program has continued to receive state funding. The laboratory is also designated as a U.S. Department of Labor Apprenticeship Ambassador and recently became a partner in New Jersey’s artificial intelligence apprenticeship program.
“What is happening at PPPL is national-level workforce development, right here in New Jersey — and this is exactly the kind of forward-thinking partnerships we need to build a strong economy that works for everyone,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “The apprenticeship model has a proven history of connecting workers to meaningful careers, and we are leveraging this to open doors in emerging industries across the Garden State. By adapting this time-tested approach to meet workforce demands, we are ensuring that the apprenticeship model continues to serve as a bridge between learning and earning for workers of today and tomorrow.”
“Apprenticeship is not just a workforce priority — it is a cornerstone of New Jersey’s economic future,” said Governor Sherrill. “We are committed to empowering Garden State workers with the in-demand, cutting-edge skills that drive innovation and keep our state competitive. Pathways like those at PPPL prove that when we invest in earn-and-learn opportunities, we build more than careers — we build the foundation our state and country will stand on for generations to come.”
“PPL has long been a leader not only in fusion science but in cultivating the next generation of highly skilled technicians and scientists,” said PPPL Director Professor Steven Cowley. “This apprenticeship is a model for how we can connect cutting-edge research with real career opportunities right her in New Jersey. I am proud to support this program and the workers it empowers.”
State officials said apprenticeship programs typically combine paid work with training and can last one to four years, leading to nationally recognized credentials. According to the state, apprenticeship graduates earn an average starting salary of about $80,000, with most remaining employed after completion.
Since 2018, New Jersey has invested approximately $115 million in apprenticeship and workforce development programs, creating more than 1,600 registered apprenticeship programs and onboarding more than 27,000 apprentices statewide.
Officials said the state continues to expand apprenticeship opportunities across industries including manufacturing, health care, clean energy and information technology, with events held throughout April to raise awareness and participation.
