New JerseyNew Jersey would fund paid apprenticeships for young people
Students ages 16 to 21 would get paid job training linked with college courses, with $25 million a year proposed to support apprenticeships.
What it does
Students ages 16 to 21 would have a statewide path to apprenticeships, including paid job training linked with community college courses.
The State would set aside $25 million each year for apprenticeship training and support. The money could help cover instruction and costs that keep young workers from starting or finishing.
Argument forYoung people could gain paid work experience and college training, while help with costs like tools and transportation may make apprenticeships easier to complete.
Argument againstConstruction employers could miss out on grants or tax credits that other participating employers may receive, limiting their access to this support.
More detail
The labor commissioner would establish a statewide apprenticeship program for students ages 16 to 21. The program would serve students ages 16 to 21, with career-connected learning for 11th and 12th graders and pathways into registered apprenticeships in high-demand fields. The act would take effect immediately if enacted.
The State would put $25 million a year into an apprenticeship fund. The fund would support apprenticeship programs, tuition-free technical instruction, and services for low-income apprentices, including transportation, childcare, tools, and work clothing. Annual funding would begin in Fiscal Year 2026.
Where do you stand?
Choose your position
Tell your reps
Take a position to see your representatives and ways to contact them.
Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed 1st Chamber
- Passed 2nd Chamber
- To Governor
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Oct 1Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations CommitteeLatest
- Vote recorded Reported out of Senate committee with amendments. Result: pass.Upper
- Oct 1Reported from Senate Committee with Amendments, 2nd ReadingMinor
- Jan 13Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor CommitteeIntroduced
- Oct 1Referred to Senate Budget and Appropriations CommitteeLatest
EducationEconomy & JobsGovernment & Ethics