Official Site of The State of New Jersey

August 24, 2026

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning awarded a total of $9 million to 29 organizations through a second round of FY26 funding through the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) and Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grants. These programs aim to foster the creation and expansion of apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs throughout the state. 

Since the establishment of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning in 2018, New Jersey has invested more than $125 million through grant programs to create and develop work-based learning, pre-apprenticeship, and apprenticeship programs. This has supported the creation of 1,081 new Registered Apprenticeship programs in New Jersey — a 177 percent increase since 2018 — and enabled more than 30,000 new apprentices to be onboarded. The state currently has 11,505 active apprentices in 1,692 programs. 

“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.” 

“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 

20 organizations were awarded a total of $6 million through the GAINS program. The GAINS program develops new and existing apprenticeship programs and creates Registered Apprenticeship programs in high-growth industries, with a focus on equality of opportunity, upward mobility, and economic fairness. 

GAINS funding can be used by awardees to offset training and associated costs for new registered apprentices and to reimburse up to 50 percent of a new apprentice’s wages for a maximum of $12,000 per apprentice over 52 work weeks. 

Over the past eight years, $51.8 million in GAINS funding has been awarded to place more than 8,560 Registered Apprentices into employment across diverse fields. Examples include K-12 Teacher Apprentices, Registered Nurse Residents, Home Health Aides, Engineering Technicians, Network Support Specialists, construction-related trades, and many other occupations. 

“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 complete list of the second round of FY26 GAINS grantees includes:

PACE 

Nine organizations were awarded a total of $3 million through the PACE program. The PACE program was developed to promote equal opportunities, upward mobility, and economic fairness while helping to alleviate economic barriers that hinder workers from upskilling opportunities. 

PACE programs provide tools such as job readiness, essential skills, and occupation-specific training, and funding that can be used to offset participants’ related costs, such as childcare, transportation, and the attainment of a high school equivalency diploma or GED. 

These programs must be partnered with at least one Registered Apprenticeship program sponsor. Together, the programs combine industry-based training and classroom instruction, leading to better-paying positions and advanced credentials. 

More than $27.9 million in PACE funding has been awarded since its establishment to prepare over 3,900 pre-apprentices to enter either Registered Apprenticeship, employment, or post-secondary education/vocational training. 

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 complete list of the second round of FY26 PACE grantees includes:

PACE programs can work strategically with GAINS-funded programs to create a seamless talent pipeline, creating a steady stream of prepared candidates for Registered Apprenticeship programs. 

Find out additional information about NJDOL’s grant opportunities. 

Learn more about the New Jersey Office of Apprenticeship.

 Go back to all press releases