Labor & Employment (Apprenticeships) in New Jersey

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1378: Provides option for individuals to satisfy requirements for licensure as manicurist through apprenticeship.

This bill (A1378) creates a new apprenticeship pathway for individuals seeking licensure as manicurists in New Jersey, directly affecting aspiring nail care professionals. It amends existing cosmetology licensing laws to allow applicants to meet education requirements through on-the-job training under a licensed supervisor, instead of completing a formal cosmetology program. The key provision establishes that apprenticeship hours can count toward the total training needed for licensure, with supervision by a licensed manicurist or cosmetologist. This change aims to provide a more accessible route to licensure while maintaining safety standards for nail care services. The bill does not alter the scope of practice for manicurists, which remains focused on nail care (manicuring, pedicuring, and nail sculpting).

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Professional Licensing Workforce Development

died · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3611: Requires payment of prevailing wage for certain data center construction.

This bill requires contractors working on data center construction projects with annual electrical usage of 5 megawatts or more to pay prevailing wages determined by New Jersey’s Labor Commissioner. It directly affects contractors building qualifying data centers by mandating compliance with wage standards, safety training (OSHA-10/30), drug testing, insurance requirements, and detailed payroll documentation. Key provisions include prohibiting temporary labor without registered apprenticeship enrollment, requiring joint liability for unpaid wages by subcontractors, and mandating weekly sign-in records. The bill was withdrawn after being approved as P.L.2025, c.335, so it is not currently in effect.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workplace Safety

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2494: "New Jersey Works Act"; concerns businesses and pre-employment training programs; provides tax credit to businesses supporting pre-employment training programs; appropriates $1 million.

The New Jersey Works Act creates a tax credit for businesses that fund pre-employment training programs targeting low- and moderate-income individuals for jobs in high-demand occupations. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of paid training at minimum wage, covering skills like communication, job readiness, and career-specific instruction. The bill appropriates $1 million to support the initiative and requires training programs to be approved by the state, partner with schools or nonprofits, and exclude construction businesses. It directly affects qualifying businesses, educational institutions, and job seekers in targeted regions seeking career advancement opportunities.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Tax Credits Apprenticeships Minimum Wage Workforce Development

passed both · New Jersey · General Assembly Jun 30, 2026

A 4072: Establishes minimum qualifications for persons employed on public works contract.

This bill requires contractors working on New Jersey public works projects to verify that all craftworkers meet minimum qualifications. Specifically, it mandates that contractors register electronically and provide proof that each journeyperson has either completed a registered apprenticeship program meeting federal standards or has four years of documented work experience (with union members under certain collective bargaining agreements exempt). The law also requires contractors to confirm they participate in approved apprenticeship programs for any craftworkers they employ. These requirements apply directly to contractors bidding on or performing state-funded construction projects.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Collective Bargaining

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 2798: Exempts small businesses from apprenticeship requirement under "The Public Works Contractor Registration Act."

This bill exempts small businesses from a requirement to participate in registered apprenticeship programs when registering to bid on public works contracts in New Jersey. It defines "small business" as an employer with 10 or fewer workers on every working day during most of the calendar workweeks in the current and previous year. The exemption applies specifically to the apprenticeship participation requirement listed in Section 5(a)(6) of the Public Works Contractor Registration Act (P.L.1999, c.238). This change directly affects small construction and contracting firms seeking public projects, removing a regulatory burden related to workforce training programs.

Topics ✗ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development Tags Small Business

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3589: Revises registered apprenticeship requisites of public works contractors and creates opt-out from participation in registered apprenticeship program for public works projects.

This bill allows public works contractors in New Jersey to opt out of participating in registered apprenticeship programs by paying an annual $1,000 fee per craft classification. Contractors choosing this option must still pay all craftworkers at least the prevailing journeyman wage rate. The opt-out fees are split equally: 50% funds workforce development programs for underserved communities, and 50% provides micro-grants to female, minority, and veteran-owned construction firms. Contractors not opting out must register with the state, verify their apprenticeship program meets federal standards (29 C.F.R. sections), and provide documentation of compliance.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment ✓ Veterans

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 3646: Establishes Nuclear Energy Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources Pilot Program in DOLWD; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a 5-year Nuclear Energy Apprenticeship Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor, funded with $1 million. It provides grants to eligible entities like colleges, unions, and businesses that operate or plan nuclear energy apprenticeships approved by the U.S. Department of Labor, with a focus on underserved communities and nuclear waste workers. To receive funding, applicants must partner with industry, demonstrate financial commitment, and show how the program addresses workforce gaps. Grantees must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement, while the Department of Labor will evaluate the program's effectiveness yearly. The program aims to train workers for nuclear energy infrastructure, utilities, and related sectors through structured apprenticeships.

Topics ✓ Energy ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Nuclear Apprenticeships Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · Senate Mar 2, 2026

S 3593: "New Jersey Works Act"; permits businesses to apply for tax credits for establishing approved pre-employment and work readiness training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofit organizations, or educational institutions.

S 3593, the "New Jersey Works Act," allows businesses to earn tax credits for creating paid pre-employment training programs in partnership with schools, nonprofits, or educational institutions. These programs must provide at least 12 weeks of training covering skills like math, communication, resume writing, and job readiness, targeting individuals from low- and moderate-income households. Businesses in non-construction industries can apply for tax credits after their programs are approved by the Department of Labor. The bill specifically excludes construction trade businesses from eligibility for these credits.

Topics ✓ Budget & Taxes ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 1769: Establishes Water Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources (WATER) Pilot Program in DOLWD; appropriates $1 million.

This bill establishes a five-year WATER Pilot Program within New Jersey's Department of Labor, appropriating $1 million to fund water-sector apprenticeships. It directly affects eligible organizations - such as businesses, unions, colleges, nonprofits, and public utilities - that run accredited water-related training programs (e.g., for wastewater workers) and partner with industry. Key provisions require applicants to demonstrate U.S. Department of Labor accreditation, secure industry partnerships, and prioritize underserved communities, with grants covering program costs. Grantees must report annually on participant enrollment, completion, and job placement, while the Department must evaluate the program’s effectiveness yearly.

Topics ✓ Environment ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Drinking Water Apprenticeships Workforce Development

in committee · New Jersey · General Assembly Jan 13, 2026

A 812: Establishes construction workforce recruitment and training program in DOLWD.

This bill establishes New Jersey's "Go Build" program within the Department of Labor and Workforce Development to connect residents with construction careers. It requires the program to provide training for construction trades, recruit workers for jobs and training, and promote opportunities through public education, marketing, and partnerships with construction companies and schools. The program must also consult with similar initiatives in Alabama and Georgia, and the department must submit a five-year evaluation report to the Governor and Legislature. The bill directly affects New Jersey residents seeking construction jobs, training providers, and the state's construction industry. It is a proposed program (not yet enacted) focused on expanding access to construction careers through structured recruitment and training.

Topics ✓ Labor & Employment

Sub-Topics Apprenticeships Workforce Development

All labor & employment bills