TRENTON, N.J. – New Jersey now recognizes the second week in November as National Apprenticeship Week following the governor’s signature of Assemblyman Parker Space’s resolution on Monday.
Apprenticeship programs combine classroom instruction with on-the-job paid training to build a pipeline of highly-qualified workers who can then use their industry-recognized credential to further their careers.
“Promoting the value of apprenticeship programs will help connect more people to gainful employment and support high-growth industries. We need these programs to train our future workforce so that we can better respond to technological advancements and changing business needs,” Space (R-Sussex) said. “Dedicating a week to highlighting these opportunities helps champion New Jersey’s economic success.”
The United States Department of Labor’s Office of Apprenticeship reported 8,583 active apprentices enrolled across 936 different apprenticeship programs in New Jersey in 2020. New Jersey has programs in various industries including construction, health care, information technology, advanced manufacturing, finance and more.
Both houses of the Legislature passed the joint resolution (SJR24/AJR154) unanimously in October.