Official Site of The State of New Jersey

October 8, 2026

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s (NJDOL) Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning has announced $6 million in available funding through its first round of the FY27 Growing Apprenticeships in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) grant program, which supports employers and organizations in creating new Registered Apprenticeship programs or expanding existing programs into new occupations. 

The GAINS program helps employers build talent pipelines while providing New Jersey residents with earn-and-learn opportunities that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction, leading to nationally recognized credentials and sustainable careers. Employers can receive up to 50 percent wage reimbursement for newly hired apprentices — capped at $12,000 per apprentice over one year — as well as funding to offset training costs including instructors, materials, and curriculum development. 

“Registered Apprenticeship is one of the most effective workforce development strategies, addressing employers’ immediate hiring needs while creating life-changing career opportunities for workers,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “This investment empowers New Jersey businesses to develop the skilled workforce they need to compete and thrive, while ensuring that workers earn good wages from day one and gain the credentials and experience that lead to long-term career success.” 

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 including K-12 Teacher Apprentices, Registered Nurse Residents, Home Health Aides, Engineering Technicians, Network Support Specialists, construction-related trades, and many other high-demand occupations. 

“GAINS funding makes apprenticeship accessible to employers who might otherwise struggle with the upfront costs of program development and training,” said Bill Sarboukh, Assistant Director of the Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. “Whether it’s a small business hiring their first apprentice or a large organization expanding into new occupations, this grant provides the financial support and technical assistance to help build a customized training program that meets specific workforce needs.” 

GAINS funding supports multiple aspects of apprenticeship program development: 

• Wage Reimbursement: Up to 50 percent of apprentice wages (minimum $18/hour starting wage) for up to 52 weeks, with a maximum of $12,000 per apprentice
• Training Costs: Related technical instruction, curriculum development, instructor costs, materials, supplies, and mentorship by journey workers
• Supportive Services: Childcare, transportation, and other services that help apprentices succeed
• Program Development: Administrative costs and program management for new or expanding programs 

Programs must be registered with the USDOL and align with approved apprenticeable occupations. All apprentices must be New Jersey residents, and participating employers must have a New Jersey business presence. 

The Delsea Regional School District in Franklinville is using its GAINS funding to reimagine teacher career pathways. 

“Teachers should not have to leave the classroom to grow as leaders,” said Dr. Anthony Fitzpatrick, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction. “The GAINS grant will help us turn that belief into a structured career pathway through our Lead Teacher Apprenticeship Program. By strengthening collaboration between the educators at the Delsea Regional School District, we are investing in our educators and building instructional leadership from within. Participating teachers will develop their skills through mentorship, job-embedded learning, and opportunities to support their colleagues. Ultimately, this investment reaches beyond the apprentices themselves: it strengthens teaching and expands opportunities for the students we serve.” 

Key dates: 

• October 22 OR November 10, 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 October 22 here or November 10 here.
• November 27: Letter of Intent due by noon
• December 4: Application due by noon 

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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