# NJDOL Announces $3M Pre-Apprenticeship Grants

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced a **$3 million** grant funding opportunity under its FY27 Pre-Apprenticeship in Career Education (PACE) program. This initiative aims to support organizations in delivering pre-apprenticeship training and workforce readiness programs to prepare participants for quality employment or further education. Key upcoming dates include virtual workshops on September 23 and October 1, with Letters of Intent due October 23 and full applications due October 30, 2026. This funding targets entities that were not awarded in the previous FY26 Round 2 cycle, emphasizing expanded access to workforce development resources.

- **Why this matters:** Procurement professionals and contractors specializing in workforce development, training, and education services should consider applying to this competitive grant opportunity to support New Jersey's labor market needs.
- The program focuses on pre-apprenticeship pathways, which are critical for individuals facing barriers to workforce entry, aligning with state priorities for inclusive economic growth.
- Organizations should prepare to engage in the virtual workshops to understand application requirements and ensure timely submission by the October deadlines.
- This grant funding signals continued state investment in workforce readiness programs, presenting opportunities for service providers to expand their footprint in New Jersey's labor development initiatives.

**Jurisdictions:** sled
**Industries:** Education
**Topics:** Grants & Funding
**Published:** September 18, 2026

### Government Entities
- New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL)

### Key Quotes
> Pre-apprenticeship programs serve as a critical on-ramp to career opportunities for New Jersey residents who face barriers to entering the workforce.
> — Kevin D. Jarvis, Acting Labor Commissioner

### Sources
- [Department of Labor & Workforce Development | NJDOL Announces $3 Million in Pre-Apprenticeship Grant Funding to Build Pathways to Careers](https://www.nj.gov/labor/lwdhome/press/2026/20260917_PACE.shtml) - NJ