A Joint Resolution designating the second week of November of each year as National Apprenticeship Week in New Jersey.
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
Whereas, The National Apprenticeship Act of 1937 was approved on August 16, 1937, thereby establishing the National Registered Apprenticeship System, a comprehensive system of partnering among employers, labor education institutions, and federal and state governments to shape skilled training for American workers; and
Whereas, The State of New Jersey recognizes that the 21st century economy demands a highly-skilled workforce that possesses industry-recognized post-secondary degrees and credentials, and the ability to respond immediately to changing economic and business needs; and
Whereas, The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA), signed into law on July 22, 2014, provides Americans with increased access to training, education, and work-based learning experiences necessary to succeed in the labor market; and
Whereas, WIOA requires states to strategically align workforce development to ensure that employment and work-based training services are coordinated, so that job-seekers acquire industry-recognized credentials for in-demand occupations that meet the employers needs; and
Whereas, The registered apprenticeship system has been used for more than 80 years to meet the needs of employers seeking a highly-skilled workforce and the needs of employees seeking a flexible training model which combines related technical instruction with structured, on-the-job learning experiences; and
Whereas, Registered apprenticeship is a vital component of talent development strategies in many high demand and high growth sectors; and
Whereas, According to the United States Department of Labor, New Jersey currently has more than 7,200 active registered apprentices and more than 700 registered apprenticeship sponsors; and
Whereas, Completion of an apprenticeship program leads to an industry-driven, nationally recognized credential that certifies occupational proficiency, which other employers will recognize as valuable and on which the apprentice can build to further his or her skills, knowledge, and education; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
C.36:2-427 National Apprenticeship Week in New Jersey designated.
1. The second week of November of each year is designated as National Apprenticeship Week in New Jersey, in acknowledgement of the importance of apprenticeship programs in our State and the positive impact they have on individuals and businesses.
C.36:2-428 Annual proclamation.
2. The Governor is requested to annually issue a proclamation recognizing the second week of November as National Apprenticeship Week in New Jersey and shall call upon public officials and all residents of the State to observe the week with appropriate activities and programs.
3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.
Approved November 7, 2022.