New Jersey Assembly Bill A2841

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Establishes Water Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources (WATER) Pilot Program in DOLWD; appropriates $1 million.

Impact

This legislation creates a structured approach to address the labor market's needs for skilled workers in the water sector by offering grants for apprenticeship programs. Eligible organizations include businesses, educational institutions, and non-profits, which can apply for funding to support their apprenticeship efforts. The bill appropriates $1 million from the General Fund to establish a special non-lapsing fund known as the WATER Fund, which will support these initiatives and help fortify the local workforce by enhancing job skill development.

Summary

Assembly Bill 2841 establishes the Water Apprenticeship, Training, and Employment Resources (WATER) Pilot Program under the Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOLWD). The program aims to support adult apprenticeship initiatives specifically in water-related sectors, such as water infrastructure and utilities. By focusing on underserved and underrepresented communities, the bill seeks to close the skills gap in the water sector while providing meaningful employment opportunities for individuals in these communities.

Contention

Notably, the bill includes guidelines to ensure that the funds are not used to supplant existing apprenticeship programs or induce displacement among currently employed workers. Furthermore, it mandates that quarterly reports be submitted by the Commissioner of Labor and Workforce Development to evaluate the program's efficacy and ongoing relevance. There are concerns regarding the bill's potential effectiveness in genuinely increasing employment standards in water-related sectors and ensuring that programs reach the intended demographic of trainees.

Implementation

The DOLWD is tasked with overseeing the program, which will begin accepting grant applications within six months after the bill’s effective date, with the first awards to be granted within a year. The bill also envisions collaboration with the Center for Workforce Innovation in Construction to align training efforts with industry needs. A yearly evaluation mechanism is mandated to ensure accountability and to review the program’s impact on meeting workforce demands.