New Jersey § 34:15d-6

§ 34:15d-6.

a. There is established in the Department of Labor and Workforce Development a five-year

Apprentice Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program. The purpose of the program shall be to address two significant barriers to individuals

participating in apprenticeships, lack of affordable and reliable transportation and

lack of affordable, high-quality childcare, by providing stipends to eligible individuals

participating in apprenticeships. To be eligible for the program, an individual is required to participate in an apprenticeship

program accredited and approved by the United States Department of Labor. b. The assistance provided by the pilot program shall consist of two components: (1) Transportation assistance: If an individual travels five miles or more to a job

site for work or to a classroom for apprenticeship training, the individual is eligible

to receive mileage reimbursement at 50 percent of the current federal rate, or reimbursement

of documented expenditures on public transportation, up to $500 per individual per

year. (2) Child Care Stipend: An individual who, after the effective date of this act,

enters into a qualified apprenticeship in accordance with subsection a. of this section

shall be eligible for a child care stipend funded by the Apprentice Assistance and

Support Services Pilot Program and provided through the Department of Labor and Workforce

Development if the individual's income and assets exceed the maximum allowable income

and asset criteria under the Child Care Subsidy Program administered by the Department

of Human Services. Nothing in P.L.2019, c. 419 ( C.34:15D-6.2 et al.) shall preclude an individual who receives a child care subsidy from the Department

of Human Services from receiving a child care stipend under P.L.2019, c. 419 ( C.34:15D-6.2 et al.) if the subsidy received from the Department of Human Services is insufficient

to cover the actual cost of child care incurred by the individual. Individuals receiving a child care stipend shall utilize a licensed child care provider,

registered family care provider, or a home or summer camp that is approved by the

State. The stipend provided shall be as follows, but in no event, shall exceed $10,000

per individual per year: (a) up to $10,000 for child care paid during the first year following the individual's

date of apprentice registration and dispatch; (b) up to $7,500 for child care paid during the second year following the individual's

date of apprentice registration and dispatch; and (c) up to $5,000 for child care paid during the third year following the individual's

date of apprentice registration and dispatch. c. To receive transportation assistance in accordance with paragraph (1) of subsection

b. of this section, an individual shall apply to the Department of Labor and Workforce

Development for reimbursement for travel expenses related to the individual's apprenticeship. As part of the individual's application, the individual is required to provide documentation

that the apprenticeship in which the individual is participating is accredited and

approved by the United States Department of Labor. d. To receive a child care stipend in accordance with paragraph (2) of subsection

b. of this section, an individual shall apply to the Department of Labor and Workforce

Development for child care costs incurred as a result of the individual's commitment

to the apprenticeship. As part of the individual's application, the individual is required to provide documentation

that the apprenticeship in which the individual is participating is accredited and

approved by the United States Department of Labor. An individual shall also provide documentation of the costs of child care, which

shall include documentation that the child care is utilized during the days and times

in which the individual is participating in the apprenticeship. The funding shall be allocated by the Department of Labor and Workforce Development

in accordance with section 9 of P.L.1992, c. 43 ( C.34:15D-9 ). e. In determinations of which eligible apprentices are to receive assistance under

the Apprentice Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program, the Department of Labor

and Workforce Development shall give first priority to apprentices who: (1) belong to a group that, based on their race, color, religion, national origin,

sex, sexual orientation, disability, or age, is underrepresented in the career field

of the apprenticeship; (2) were eligible to receive benefits under the Work First New Jersey program or the

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program within twelve months preceding the beginning

of the apprenticeship but no longer qualify to receive those benefits; (3) are displaced workers; (4) were previously incarcerated; or (5) are veterans. f. No later than January 1, 2023, the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development

shall submit to the Governor, and to the Legislature, pursuant to section 2 of P.L.1991, c. 164 ( C.52:14-19.1 ), a report that evaluates the results of the pilot program and its effectiveness

in assisting program participants in entering the workforce or in obtaining better

employment. The report shall include a recommendation regarding whether to renew the Apprentice

Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program, and if renewal is recommended, if the

program should be expanded or otherwise enhanced.