34:15D-6.2 Apprentice Assistance and Support Services Pilot Program.

1. 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.

L.2019, c.419, s.1.