Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) Round 1

The Growing Apprenticeship in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) Round 1 is a competitive grant opportunity offered by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development to expand and develop United States Department of Labor approved Registered Apprenticeship programs. The program supports New Jersey businesses and organizations in creating new programs or expanding existing ones into new approved occupations. Funding is available for up to 50% wage reimbursement for newly hired apprentices for up to 52 weeks, with a maximum of 12,000 dollars per apprentice and a minimum starting wage of 18 dollars per hour. Additionally, the grant offsets training costs and provides supportive services such as childcare and transportation to reduce employment barriers. All participants must be New Jersey residents, and employers must maintain a presence within the state. Applications must be submitted via the IGX system by 12 noon on December 4, 2026, following a Letter of Intent due by November 27, 2026. The submission must include a program narrative, implementation plan, and sustainability plan, with a strict total page limit of 25 pages to avoid penalties. Evaluation is conducted by an independent review committee using a 100-point rubric, with preference given to applicants serving under-represented populations and those with budgets focused on direct apprentice benefits. Awardees must obtain a Tax Clearance Certificate from the New Jersey Division of Taxation and adhere to an 18-month contract period. Reimbursement is provided on a cost-reimbursement basis, requiring monthly activity and expenditure reports due by the 15th of each month.