This bill (A2413) redirects specific portions of New Jersey's existing Workforce Development Partnership Fund to support apprenticeship programs. It requires 5% of annual fund revenues (starting in 2021) to be allocated to One Stop Career Centers for promoting state-accredited apprenticeships, and 0.5% for the Apprenticeship Start-Up Grant Program. These funds directly support the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, career centers, and employers offering apprenticeships approved by the U.S. Department of Labor. The bill does not create new programs but specifies how existing fund resources will be dedicated to expanding apprenticeship opportunities.
AJR 13 establishes a 7-member "Commission on Apprenticeship Program Promotion" in New Jersey. The commission, appointed by state leaders and agency heads, will study effective ways to promote apprenticeship programs to high school students, focusing on demonstrating the value of the skills gained and resulting economic opportunities. It must submit a report to the Governor and Legislature within one year of formation, after which the commission will dissolve. The bill does not create new programs or funding but directs a study on improving outreach to students. This procedural resolution affects high school students and stakeholders in apprenticeship programs by initiating a formal review of promotion strategies.
This New Jersey bill establishes a three-year "Summer Earn and Learn Pilot Program" to help students recover from pandemic-related learning loss. It provides eligible students (NJ residents in good academic standing, aged to work) with paid summer employment opportunities alongside supplemental learning support (at least 3 hours/day, 5 days/week). The program uses federal pandemic relief funds (CARES, ARP, etc.) to pay students a stipend at or above minimum wage. Participating schools must submit plans detailing learning content and employer partnerships, with the state coordinating with labor agencies to create a public list of approved employers.
This bill would provide tuition waivers for classroom courses within registered apprenticeship programs at New Jersey public colleges and vocational schools. It applies to individuals with household income below the state median (as defined by U.S. Census data), who have exhausted all other financial aid and maintain active apprenticeship employment. The state would reimburse institutions for waived tuition costs, covering only the classroom training portion of approved apprenticeships. Eligibility requires completing a FAFSA annually and meeting academic progress standards.
S 3214 creates the "New Jersey Earn and Learn Program" to provide tax credits for employers offering structured apprenticeships and paid internships that lead to permanent jobs. Employers receive a $3,000 tax credit per enrolled individual (apprentice or intern) for the first year, with an additional $1,000 available for small businesses, for enrollees from underrepresented groups, or if the enrollee secures full-time employment after completing the program. The program requires participants to maintain full-time employment for six months post-program and limits participation to three years per individual. These tax credits reduce the employer's corporation business tax or gross income tax.
S 1067 (NJ Basic Skills Training Program bill) reallocates funding for workforce development programs rather than increasing reporting requirements, as its title suggests. The bill changes how 100% of the "Supplemental Workforce Fund" is distributed: 24% supports One Stop Career Centers, 28% funds Workforce Investment Boards, 25% (with 12.5% dedicated to apprenticeship pilots) aids employer/educator consortia, $3 million minimum goes to community colleges, and 10% covers administrative costs. It directly affects displaced/disadvantaged workers, employers (requiring them to pay regular wages during training without paperwork), and community colleges delivering basic skills training. Key mechanisms include fixed funding percentages, employer wage requirements during training, and annual reporting by the community college consortium.
S 2217 establishes a three-year "Summer Earn and Learn Pilot Program" in New Jersey to help students recover from pandemic-related learning loss. The program provides eligible students (NJ residents enrolled in public, charter, or renaissance schools with a 3.0+ GPA) with both paid summer work (at least minimum wage) and academic support (3+ hours/day, 5 days/week) during summer vacation. Students must maintain good academic standing to participate, and the program uses federal pandemic relief funds (like CARES Act dollars) for stipends. School districts must apply to join, and the Department of Education will partner with employers to create job opportunities, such as tutoring. The pilot aims to prevent students from choosing between school and financial support during summer.
S 1055 requires government agencies awarding public construction contracts over $1 million to set aside 0.5% of the contract funds for outreach and training programs. The funds support minority group members and women in construction trades, including apprenticeships, supportive services, and training for management roles. Programs must partner with community groups, labor organizations, and educational institutions to facilitate entry and long-term employment. Annual reports will track program outcomes, including workforce participation and employment results, for public transparency. (Introduced in 2026; focuses on concrete policy changes, not outcomes.)
New Jersey's S 1841 creates the "Workplace Skills Savings Program," allowing eligible workers to save for job training. Employees earning wages subject to New Jersey income tax can contribute up to $1,000 annually to a personal account, with the state matching each dollar contributed. Funds can be used for apprenticeships, licensing exams, retraining, or approved job-related education at schools or unions. The program is funded by a $25 million state appropriation from the General Fund, administered by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, with the Department of the Treasury managing the trust. It takes effect January 1, 2027.
New Jersey's S 2195 provides tax credits to businesses that hire apprentices in U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)-registered programs. Businesses can claim a $1,000 base credit per apprentice per tax period, with an additional $2,000 for veterans, displaced workers, those from underrepresented groups, or individuals previously incarcerated. To qualify, apprentices must be employed for at least seven months during the tax period, and credits cannot exceed four tax periods per apprentice. The bill prohibits using these credits to displace existing workers or undermine collective bargaining agreements.
