The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development said on Tuesday it will be celebrating National Apprenticeship Week, which runs Nov. 11-17, by spreading the message of apprenticeships “as a valuable and viable earn-while-you-learn career model.”
“A stronger and fairer New Jersey starts by investing in workforce development that will benefit employers and grow the middle class,” Murphy said. “Through apprenticeship programs, we are providing our residents with the skills they need to thrive and find meaningful careers in high-growth professions that will help bolster our economy.”
Since Gov. Phil Murphy took office in January 2018, New Jersey has increased its Registered Apprenticeship programs by 49% to 298 and added 4,313 new apprentices — a current total of 8,253 active apprentices serving in 909 programs.
“New Jersey is leading the way in our drive to prove that the successful earn-while-you-learn model of apprenticeship conceptualized by the Building Trades works,” Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said. “In this short time, we have already proven how this career path can make an impact in health care, science and technology, human resources, and countless other nontraditional sectors, which is mutually beneficial for everyone in the equation.”
To support the initiatives, the department will provide grants through its Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors and Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education programs to New Jersey businesses that want to start their own apprenticeship programs.
“New Jersey is building more on-ramps for success after high school, and it’s all about options,” Dr. Lamont O. Repollet, Commissioner of Education, said. “Apprenticeships are one of those avenues for success, and National Apprenticeship Week is a time to highlight the opportunity that apprenticeships provide.”
“All New Jersey students should have the opportunity to engage in an experiential learning opportunity such as an apprenticeship, internship, or co-op program,” Secretary of Higher Education Zakiya Smith Ellis said. “These experiences provide an opportunity for students to apply their learning in context, which we know is the best way to create meaningful academic experiences that prepare students for life.”
Throughout the week, Asaro-Angelo and NJDOL representatives will participate in the following events:
Wednesday, Nov. 13:
Hunterdon County Polytech
“Meet the Trades”
10 Junction Road, Careers Café, Central Campus, Flemington, 12:00 p.m.
Commissioner to join PACE grant partners in meeting industry-leading business owners and apprentices.
Union County Vocational Technical High School
“Nursing Meets Automotive and Stage Handlers: Driving Apprenticeships Forward”
1776 Raritan Road, Scotch Plains, 4:30 p.m.
Commissioner to join apprenticeship meet-and-greet, to hear from students in the Youth Transitions to Work program from three distinct career paths: nursing, diesel mechanic and stage handler.
Thursday, Nov. 14:
Middlesex County College
“National Accelerator Health Care Youth Apprenticeship Conference”
2600 Woodbridge Avenue, Edison, 8:30 a.m.
NJDOL will participate in panel discussions on how to build apprenticeships in the health care industry, including a youth forum.
Northeast Carpenters Apprentice Training Fund
“Introduction to an Apprenticeship in the UBC Trades”
75 Fieldcrest Avenue, Edison, 9:00 a.m.
Be introduced to the various trades with the UBC through personal tours of the facility, and learn about the successful career path that a trade apprenticeship brings.
Employers Association of New Jersey
“New Jersey Employer Roundtable”
9 Cherry Lane, West Orange, 12:30 p.m.
Learn about New Jersey’s widely acclaimed apprenticeship programs that are meeting the needs of the Garden State’s key industry sectors.
Friday, Nov. 15:
NJ Coalition of Automotive Retailers (NJCAR)
“Automotive Technician Apprenticeship Recognition Day”
856 River Road, Trenton, 9:00 a.m.
Join us as we recognize NJCAR’s first group of apprentices from Middlesex County, alongside the program’s sponsors, instructions, and participants.
