Growing Apprenticeships in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) Grant Program

The Growing Apprenticeships in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) Grant Program is a competitive funding initiative offered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) through its Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based Learning. GAINS is designed to promote and expand high-quality, USDOL-registered apprenticeship programs in nontraditional occupational sectors across the state of New Jersey. This effort is part of the broader mission of the New Jersey Apprenticeship Network, which seeks to align state and federal training initiatives with economic development by building pathways to better-paying careers and advanced credentials. The core purpose of the GAINS program is to support the creation and expansion of apprenticeship programs in a range of target industries, including but not limited to advanced manufacturing, healthcare, energy and utilities, information technology, transportation and logistics, educational services, and early childhood education. NJDOL offers up to $6 million in total funding under this FY2026 Round 2 announcement. Awarded programs will receive cost reimbursements for approved activities, with a maximum cost per apprentice capped at $12,000. Allowable costs include wage reimbursements for on-the-job training (up to 50% of wages for 12 months), related technical instruction (RTI) expenses, and program development and administrative costs. RTI must occur concurrently with employment, meaning front-loaded training is not eligible under this program unless sourced from a separate pre-apprenticeship program. Eligibility for the GAINS program is broad and inclusive. Eligible applicants include New Jersey-based employers or those with a New Jersey presence, nonprofit organizations, labor organizations, educational institutions, trade associations, community-based organizations, workforce boards, and public sector entities. However, to apply, the organization must be the sponsor of a USDOL Registered Apprenticeship program. All apprentices and employer partners must be New Jersey residents or operate within the state, and all participants must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. The starting wage for apprentices must be at least $18.00 per hour, although exceptions may be considered with proper justification. Applicants must submit a comprehensive proposal that includes a program narrative, implementation plan, sustainability plan, budget details, and required supporting documents. Evaluation will be based on the proposal’s clarity, alignment with grant objectives, cost-efficiency, and the projected impact of the program. Proposals must articulate a strong plan for sustainability beyond the 18-month grant period, demonstrate capacity for program implementation, and show commitment to serving underrepresented populations such as women, minorities, dislocated workers, youth, veterans, and persons with disabilities. The application process requires submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) by noon on April 10, 2026, followed by the full application due by noon on April 17, 2026, through NJDOL’s IGX system. Technical assistance workshops will be held virtually on February 19 and March 25, 2026. The anticipated panel review will begin the week of May 4, 2026, and award announcements are expected approximately 45 business days after the panel review. The grant performance period will run from June 1, 2026, through November 30, 2027, unless otherwise modified by NJDOL. Throughout the grant term, recipients must submit monthly activity and expenditure reports and a closeout report within 60 days of the grant's conclusion. Continued funding may be considered based on performance outcomes. Additionally, any applicant awarded over $100,000 must submit a CPA-prepared audit. GAINS does not fund capital expenses, out-of-state travel, or items like laptops and machinery unless justified. The goal of the GAINS program is not only to expand apprenticeship opportunities but also to build a sustainable workforce pipeline in New Jersey that supports economic equity and resilience in high-demand industries.

Focus on high enrollment, quality training, wage compliance, and sustainability; Preference for new hire apprenticeships and small businesses