This bill establishes a statewide youth apprenticeship program in New Jersey aimed at students aged 16 to 21. The program will focus on creating career-connected learning opportunities for high school juniors and seniors, combining paid on-the-job training with dual enrollment in community colleges, and developing pre-apprenticeship pathways in high-demand sectors such as healthcare, information technology, advanced manufacturing, and green jobs. The Commissioner of Labor and Workplace Development is tasked with developing a standardized curriculum for apprenticeship-related instruction and providing no-cost technical instruction to apprentices. Employers participating in the program may receive up to $5,000 per apprentice in tax credits or direct grants, contingent upon meeting specific criteria, including wage standards and non-discriminatory practices.

Additionally, the bill mandates that state agencies and public contractors involved in large capital projects participate in registered apprenticeship programs, prioritizing green energy and public infrastructure initiatives. An annual report will be published detailing apprenticeship participation demographics, completion rates, and state savings from reduced reliance on student aid and unemployment insurance. To support the program, $25 million will be appropriated annually starting in fiscal year 2026, which will fund start-up grants for new apprenticeship programs, tuition-free technical instruction, and wraparound support services for low-income apprentices.