Official Site of The State of New Jersey

September 17, 2026

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning has announced $3 million in available funding through its first round of FY27 Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) grant program, which prepares New Jersey residents for entry into Registered Apprenticeship programs, direct employment, or continued post-secondary education. 

The PACE program removes barriers to career advancement by providing comprehensive support including skills training, workforce readiness preparation, and assistance with challenges such as childcare, transportation, and educational costs. Each pre-apprenticeship program funded through PACE maintains partnerships with Registered Apprenticeship sponsors and employers committed to hiring program graduates. 

“Pre-apprenticeship programs serve as a critical on-ramp to career opportunities for New Jersey residents who face barriers to entering the workforce,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “This investment reflects our commitment to meeting people where they are and providing the support, training, and connections they need to access quality jobs and build sustainable careers.” 

Since the program’s establishment in 2018, more than $27.9 million in PACE funding has been awarded to prepare over 3,900 pre-apprentices for career success through Registered Apprenticeship, employment opportunities paying $17 per hour or more, or admission to post-secondary education and vocational training programs. 

“Pre-apprenticeship programs bridge the gap between where individuals are and where they want to be in their careers,” said Bill Sarboukh, Assistant Director of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. “The PACE program enables organizations to provide not just training, but wraparound support services that address real-world challenges participants face. When we remove barriers and create strong partnerships with employers and apprenticeship programs, we set people up for long-term success in high-demand industries.” 

The PACE program prepares individuals to enter and succeed in Registered Apprenticeship programs through documented partnerships with apprenticeship sponsors, employers, and education providers. Programs expand career pathways through industry-based training combined with classroom instruction, helping participants gain skills for better-paying careers and advanced credentials. 

“At a time of rising mental health concerns and a critical shortage of providers, the PACE grant is helping us develop a new generation of behavioral health paraprofessionals who can deliver culturally responsive services at a lower cost and directly in homes and communities, reducing transportation and access barriers,” said Ivette Guillermo-McGahee, Founder and Executive Director of Allies In Caring Inc. “Through partnerships with employers, educational institutions, and community organizations, we are creating meaningful workforce pathways while expanding support for children and families.” 

PACE funding supports comprehensive program components, including: 

• Job readiness and workforce preparation training
• Occupation-specific skills development
• Hands-on training and job shadowing experiences
• Support services such as childcare, transportation, and educational assistance
• Stipends to enable program participation
• Attainment of high school equivalency diplomas or GEDs when needed 

Programs must prepare participants for quality placement outcomes: entry into Registered Apprenticeship at $17 per hour or more, employment in a related occupation at $17 per hour or more, or admission to post-secondary education aligned with the training received. 

Key dates: 

• September 23 and October 1, 1 p.m.: Virtual technical assistance (TA) workshops (pre-registration required at least three business days prior to workshop; applicants are strongly encouraged to attend). Register for September 23 here or October 1 here.
• October 23: Letter of Intent due by noon
• October 30: Application due by noon 

Eligibility Note: Organizations that received FY26 Round 2 PACE contracts are not eligible to apply for FY27 Round 1 funding. The current round is open to organizations that did not receive FY26 Round 2 awards, as well as new applicants. 

View complete application instructions and the full Notice of Grant Opportunity here. 

Learn more about NJDOL’s available grants on the Grant Opportunities website. 

Learn more about the New Jersey Office of Apprenticeship.

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