New Jersey § 34:15d-6

§ 34:15d-6.

a. There is created in the Office of Customized Training in the Department of Labor

and Workforce Development the Apprenticeship Start-Up Grant Program. The purpose of the program is to provide an incentive for eligible organizations

to support the development and expansion of apprenticeship programs, which will provide

additional opportunities for New Jersey's workforce to access careers in high-skill,

high-wage occupations. b. An eligible organization may apply for a grant in an amount not to exceed $5,000

to offset the qualified start-up costs associated with the initial year of participation

in an apprenticeship program or for a grant in an amount not to exceed $10,000 to

offset the qualified start-up costs associated with the initial year of participation

in an apprenticeship program that provides greater opportunities for workers in key

industries. c. An eligible organization shall demonstrate to the commissioner that it has participated

in the establishment or operation of an apprenticeship program within the 12-month

period before applying for a grant. An eligible organization shall submit an application in such form as shall be required

by the commissioner. The application shall require, at a minimum, an eligible organization to submit

to the department a report to verify the qualified start-up costs incurred by an eligible

organization associated with the initial year of participation in an apprenticeship

program. The report shall include such information as shall be determined necessary by the

department to substantiate the qualified start-up costs incurred by an eligible organization. d. As used in this section: “ Apprenticeship program ” means a registered program providing to each trainee combined classroom and on-the-job

training under the direct and close supervision of a highly skilled worker in an occupation

recognized as an apprenticable trade, and: (1) registered by the Office of Apprenticeship

of the U.S. Department of Labor and meeting the standards established by that office;

or (2) registered by a State apprenticeship agency recognized by the office. “ Eligible organization ” means a labor union or an organization exempt from taxation pursuant to paragraph (3) of subsection (c) of section 501 of the federal Internal Revenue Code , ( 26 U.S.C. s.501(c)(3) ). “ Key industry ” means an industry that makes or could make an important contribution to the economy

of the State, which may include, but not be limited to advanced manufacturing, construction,

healthcare, logistics, pharmaceuticals, transportation, tourism, and renewable energy

defined by the department in accordance with regulations adopted pursuant to P.L.2019, c. 417 ( C.54:10A-5.44 et al.). “ Qualified start-up costs ” means the ordinary and necessary costs to start an apprenticeship program in that

industry and occupation, including the salary costs of employees working on the program

and, if applicable, the non-recurring costs of fixed telecommunication furnishings

and office equipment.