3. 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. § 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.

L.2019, c.417, s.3.