NJ DOL Invites Applications for Apprenticeship Policy Fellow Position

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced its search for a qualified candidate to join its Office of Apprenticeship as a Governor's Fellow. This opportunity is part of Governor Murphy's recently relaunched Governor's Fellows Program, aimed at enhancing the state's workforce development initiatives.

The selected candidate will work under NJDOL's Division of Workforce Development, focusing on bolstering the earn-while-you-learn model across the state. The goal is to drive economic growth and broaden opportunities for both youth and adults to acquire skills and training that lead to fulfilling careers. The Office of Apprenticeship serves as a central resource for employers, educational institutions, trade associations, and current and prospective apprentices participating in Governor Murphy's New Jersey Apprenticeship Network (NJAN) initiatives, which encompass several successful grant programs.

Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo said, "In the past five years, the Office of Apprenticeship has significantly increased the diversity of both apprenticeship programs and participants, and we're looking forward to welcoming a new team member to drive this momentum even further." He added that the Governor's Fellow would help maintain the model's relevance to today's workforce, ensuring a consistent supply of talent for New Jersey's high-demand industries.

Since Governor Murphy assumed office in January 2018, New Jersey has seen the creation of 577 new Registered Apprenticeship programs—a 94% increase—and the onboarding of 14,162 new apprentices. Currently, the state boasts 8,228 active apprentices participating in 1,188 programs. NJDOL grant-funded programs, particularly the Growing Apprenticeships in Non-Traditional Sectors (GAINS) program, have offered unprecedented opportunities for women and people of color, with over two-thirds of GAINS grantees being women or minorities.

The Governor's Fellow position is open to all eligible New Jersey residents and requires effective communication and teamwork skills, proven excellence in professional or academic achievement, demonstrated leadership ability, and a commitment to public policy. The deadline for applications is May 12, with interviews scheduled for the summer and an anticipated start date in September 2023.

For more information on the Governor's Fellow opportunity, including eligibility requirements and application instructions, click here.

To see all open positions at NJDOL, click here.