By: Nazmul Noyim, Follow South Jersey Intern
SOUTH JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL) has awarded approximately $3 million in funding to eight businesses and organizations under the Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) grant program which supports employers that hire apprentices.
This grant program is part of the New Jersey Apprenticeship Network— an initiative that helps residents pursue a wide range of careers statewide. It was established by Governor Phil Murphy in 2018.
“Apprenticeship has proven to be a valuable tool for building talent pipelines in any occupation, and we’re thrilled the state’s continued investments in this earn-while-you-learn model can assist our employers develop the skilled workforce they need,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “We’re proud to partner with our grantees, who have clearly demonstrated their commitment to providing the best opportunities for their workers.”
The program awards $631,285 to Rutgers Medical, Health, $660,000 to Hand in Hand Healthcare Solutions, and $599,400 to Baron-Queen Inc. These organizations employ health care and social workers, registered nurses, medical assistants, pharmacy staff, and home health aides.
Further, Marco Region Management with a staff of hair stylists and massage therapists receives $584, 650. NJ Teamsters Apprenticeship and Training Fund of truck drivers receives $266,044. The International Union of Operating Engineers is awarded $204,200, and Voyagers Community school gets $11,986.
These eight grantees have a total of 724 hired Apprentices.
“Our apprentices are an enormous benefit to our Lab, the state, and the nation,” said Steve Cowley, director of Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory, a GAINS grantee. “Working on fusion energy, the ultimate clean energy source, requires a diverse range of skills, which our apprentices uniquely possess.”
New Jersey has added 563 Registered Apprenticeship programs which is a 92% increase since Governor Murphy initiated it.
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