Bill > S1831

Introduced Session

This bill requires the Commissioner of Labor and Workplace Development to establish a dedicated youth apprenticeship program for students aged 16 to 21 years old. Under the bill, the program would be required to include, but not be limited to, creating career-connected learning in high school for students in 11th grade and 12th grade; combining paid, on-the-job training with dual-enrollment in community colleges; and creating pre-apprenticeship pathways into registered programs in high-demand sectors, including but not limited to health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and green jobs. The bill requires the commissioner, in consultation with the New Jersey Council of County Colleges, to develop standardized curriculum for apprenticeship-related instruction; offer no-cost related technical instruction to apprentices; and expand the college credit for apprenticeship initiative, awarding credit for on-the-job training. The bill provides that employers who participate in the program will be provided with up to $5,000 per apprentice in tax credits or direct grants, provided that certain criteria are met, including but not limited to: paying apprentices at least 60 percent of journeyperson wages, escalating annually; committing to non-discriminatory recruitment and retention practices; and reporting annually to the department demographics, wage progression, and completion rates of apprentices. The bill requires State agencies and public contractors of large capital projects to develop or participate in registered apprenticeship programs. Under the bill, priority will be given to green energy and public infrastructure apprenticeships and partnerships with union-based Joint Apprenticeship Training Committees (JATCs). The bill requires the department to issue an annual report, published on the department's Internet website that includes, but is not limited to: (1) apprenticeship participation by industry, gender, race, ethnicity, and geography; (2) completion rates and post-apprenticeship employment outcomes; and (3) State savings from reduced reliance on student aid and unemployment insurance.Finally, the bill provides that $25 million shall be allocated annually commencing in fiscal year 2026, for the purpose of funding the youth apprenticeship program established by the bill, including but not limited to providing start-up grants for newly registered apprenticeship programs; tuition-free related technical instruction at public vocational schools and community colleges; and wraparound support services for qualified low-income apprentices, such as transportation, childcare, and tools.

AI Summary

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Troy Singleton (D)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Labor Committee (on 01/13/2026)

Official Document