The Growing Apprenticeships in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) grant program, offered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL), seeks to promote economic mobility through the development and expansion of Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs. Administered by NJDOL's Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning, the GAINS initiative focuses on expanding access to high-quality training that meets national apprenticeship standards and supports in-demand occupations across the state. GAINS builds on the New Jersey Apprenticeship Network's vision to create pathways into better-paying careers through sector-specific, demand-driven workforce development.
The GAINS grant targets occupations considered apprenticeable by the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) and promotes inclusion in sectors such as healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, public service, and renewable energy. Funding supports the development of new RA programs and the expansion of existing ones, offering a 50% wage reimbursement for up to 12 months for newly hired apprentices, with a minimum starting wage of $18 per hour. Grant funds may also be used to cover costs related to classroom instruction (RTI), curriculum development, administrative overhead (capped at 10%), and supportive services like childcare and transportation, provided apprentices are registered with USDOL during the contract period.
This is a competitive opportunity with an anticipated contract period of 18 months, from February 1, 2026 to July 31, 2027, and up to $5 million in total funding. Proposals must demonstrate clear program design, alignment with GAINS goals, and measurable outcomes. Applicants are required to submit a program narrative, implementation plan, sustainability strategy, detailed budget, and a tax clearance certificate. Preference is given to programs that serve underrepresented populations and small businesses, and those that provide direct benefits to apprentices such as industry credentials or college credits.
Eligible applicants include New Jersey-based or New Jersey-present employers, labor organizations, local governments, nonprofit and community-based organizations, trade associations, educational institutions, and other entities on the state’s Eligible Training Provider List. Applicants must serve as the Registered Apprenticeship sponsor and comply with all NJDOL regulatory and financial requirements.
Submission requires a Letter of Intent (LOI) by noon on November 21, 2025, followed by a full application due in the IGX online system by noon on November 26, 2025. Technical assistance workshops will be held virtually on October 23 and November 12, 2025. Funding decisions will be announced approximately 45 days after panel review begins in mid-December. A sustainability plan is required to demonstrate program continuity beyond state funding, and all grantees must comply with monthly reporting and final closeout requirements.
Focus on apprenticeships in targeted sectors; serve underrepresented populations; avoid front-loaded RTI; ensure sustainability plan.
