TRENTON, N.J. – Assemblyman Parker Space’s bill allowing secondary classroom experience to satisfy existing education requirements in apprenticeship programs passed the Assembly Monday.
Apprenticeship programs allow individuals to earn money while gaining on-the-job training, a job-related classroom education and industry-recognized credentials. Employers are able to develop specific training that aligns more cohesively with business needs.
“As New Jersey’s economy looks to recover from government-related Covid restrictions, we will need this bill more than ever. It will allow businesses to more easily fill skilled positions with qualified candidates and help connect people to gainful employment,” Space (R-Sussex) said.
New Jersey has a robust apprenticeship program that includes a number of different occupations and industries including construction, healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, finance and more. Registered apprenticeship programs cite participants are as much as 91% more likely to remain employed with a company, while reducing recruitment and turnover costs for employers.
The bill (A4008) requires partners participating in the apprenticeship consortium to consult and gain approval from the U.S. Department of Labor before making agreements.
The bill now goes to the Senate for further consideration.