The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will begin accepting applications Monday, June 30 at 10:00 a.m. for its Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program, which will provide up to $9.7 million in funding to expand access to skilled trades training in underserved communities across the state.

The initiative aims to support the construction or major rehabilitation of workforce development facilities in New Jersey’s Overburdened Communities. Grants will range from $500,000 to $6.5 million and are designed to cover up to 70% of eligible project costs—or as much as 80% for projects in Government Restricted Municipalities.

“These funds are a strategic investment in the people of New Jersey,” NJEDA officials stated. “By increasing access to apprenticeship training in the building and construction trades, we’re creating pathways to well-paying, stable careers and driving long-term economic impact for our communities.”

The program is being funded through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s (NJDOL) Workforce Development Partnership Fund. According to the NJEDA, these grants are intended to eliminate longstanding barriers like limited transportation access and underinvestment in workforce infrastructure.

To qualify, applicants must be sponsors of a Registered Apprenticeship Program (RAP) as recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship. Additionally, they must have been operating continuously for at least 10 years and be committed to conducting training in the building and construction trades at the proposed facility.

“Ensuring that apprenticeship sponsors have the physical infrastructure to support hands-on learning is a critical step toward growing New Jersey’s skilled labor pipeline,” NJDOL officials said.

The application window will remain open until Monday, September 29 at 5:00 p.m. Detailed eligibility requirements and a list of covered occupations are available on the NJEDA website.

The program is expected to play a pivotal role in New Jersey’s broader efforts to expand equitable access to career and technical education. With construction and skilled trades continuing to face labor shortages, the investment will help build a stronger talent pipeline while addressing regional disparities in workforce development.

Local leaders and workforce advocates have praised the grant program for aligning infrastructure investment with job creation goals.

“By funding facilities directly in overburdened areas, we’re not just providing training opportunities—we’re rooting economic development right where it’s needed most,” NJEDA leaders emphasized.

The agency also noted that projects will be evaluated based on criteria such as community need, training capacity, cost-efficiency, and projected outcomes, including how many apprentices are expected to graduate annually from each proposed center.

This initiative follows Governor Phil Murphy’s broader economic development and equity agenda, which has included investments in job training, small business growth, and clean energy workforce preparation.

For those interested in applying, NJEDA is hosting informational webinars and application guidance sessions throughout July and August.

Originally reported by NJB Magazine.