Ruiz Commends Department of Labor for Pre-Apprenticeship Grant Program

TRENTON – Today, Senator M. Teresa Ruiz issued the following statement commending the Department of Labor for their grant program to increase participation in apprenticeship programs in the state:

“I have made expanding apprenticeship programs one of my major goals in this legislative session as apprenticeships offer invaluable experience which can provide underrepresented populations with a career path in high-growth job sectors. I introduced a comprehensive and inclusive bill package in October of 2018 which would enhance pre-apprenticeship programs and offer financial support to apprentices for transportation and childcare.  I’m encouraged by the Department of Labor taking similar steps to increase participation in apprenticeship programs in the state. I am grateful they are on board and I look forward to working with them as the bill package continues to move through the Legislature. It is essential to our state economy that access to apprenticeships becomes a permanent fixture in our career development sector.”