New Jersey DOL Allocates $9 Million for Expanding Apprenticeship Programs

On August 24, 2026, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) announced a substantial disbursement of $9 million in grant funding to support 29 organizations involved in expanding apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. This funding is part of a strategic initiative to enhance workforce readiness and tackle the growing skilled labor shortages affecting various industries in New Jersey. The allocation includes $6 million for the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) program and $3 million for the Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) program, both designed to create supportive pathways for individuals entering the workforce and to encourage diversity across high-demand fields.

With labor shortages increasingly impacting the U.S. economy, New Jersey's proactive investment reflects a broader effort by state governments to foster a skilled workforce through apprenticeship programs. The GAINS initiative aims to develop new and enhance existing apprenticeship programs in high-growth sectors. In contrast, the PACE program is focused on preparing workers for these registered apprenticeships, thereby ensuring a seamless transition into employment. By increasing access to high-quality training and apprenticeships, these programs bolster overall economic competitiveness and provide pathways to family-sustaining jobs.

This latest grant allocation signals a continuous commitment by the NJDOL to address workforce challenges while empowering local communities and industries. Since the establishment of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning in 2018, New Jersey has invested more than $125 million in total through various grant programs, resulting in the creation of 1,081 new Registered Apprenticeship programs — marking an impressive 177 percent increase over the last eight years. More than 30,000 new apprentices have been onboarded as a result of these efforts, highlighting the significant impact of state-led workforce initiatives.

"These grants represent a significant investment in New Jersey’s workforce and demonstrate our continued commitment to advancing access to family-sustaining employment," said Kevin D. Jarvis, Acting Labor Commissioner. The grants not only provide financial support but also signal to contractors and service providers in the education, labor training, and apprenticeship sectors that there are ongoing and future opportunities for collaboration and partnership.

Procurement professionals should pay close attention to these developments, as the funding will enable organizations specializing in training and workforce development to expand their offerings. As the state works towards enhancing employment pathways, opportunities will arise for contractors to engage deeply with the workforce training and educational programs being funded. Organizations interested in leveraging these grants should explore partnerships with the awarded entities to participate in the upcoming rounds of funding under the GAINS and PACE initiatives.

Overall, the NJDOL’s recent funding decisions reflect a comprehensive approach to workforce development that may very well influence procurement strategies and funding allocations within related sectors. By aligning training programs with industry needs, these initiatives aim to create a more skilled and adaptive workforce, better prepared to meet the demands of a changing economy and labor market.

• The NJDOL awarded $9 million across 29 organizations to enhance apprenticeship programs.
• GAINS program received $6 million for registered apprentices in high-growth industries.
• PACE program allocated $3 million to strengthen pre-apprenticeship training initiatives.
• Since 2018, New Jersey has invested over $125 million in workforce development grants.
• Total creation of 1,081 new Registered Apprenticeship programs since the establishment of the office.
• More than 30,000 new apprentices have been supported by these state initiatives.
• Organizations should seek partnerships with grant recipients from the GAINS and PACE programs.
• The grants reflect a strategic investment in workforce readiness, impacting future state procurement priorities.
• Kevin D. Jarvis emphasized the grants as a commitment to family-sustaining employment.
• Opportunities grow for contractors focusing on workforce training and education solutions.