Recruiting and Training Programs

Find the talent you need and earn State incentives with these workforce programs.

Hiring Incentives

New Jersey’s Hiring Incentives offer employers up to 50% wage reimbursements for training new full-time hires. From mature jobseekers gaining valuable work through the Workforce 55+ Program to tailored On-the-Job Training (OJT), these programs foster skilled, diverse teams at no extra cost, including special provisions for hiring individuals with disabilities.

Workforce 55+ On-the-Job Experience (OJE)

The Workforce 55+ On-the-Job Experience covers salaries for four weeks, allowing employers to skillfully assess and train mature job seekers at no cost, paving a path towards meaningful employment.

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For

Private, non-profit employers who offer eligible jobseekers (age 55 or older, income eligible, and unemployed) the opportunity to gain work experience.

Benefit

OJE participants’ salary is covered for four weeks by a federal grant, providing employers with an opportunity to observe and train the employee before making a permanent hire.

On-the-Job Training (OJT)

On-the-Job Training (OJT) empowers New Jersey companies to grow their teams. Employers are reimbursed for 50% of a new full-time employee’s wages during up to 26 weeks of specialized skill training.

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For

Eligible New Jersey-based companies

Benefit

Employers who hire for full-time positions are reimbursed 50% of the new employee’s wages for a period of up to 26 weeks in exchange for agreeing to provide training in specialized skill set. Employers who hire individuals with a disability may also be eligible for OJT contracts for part-time work.

Specialty Hiring Programs

Specialty hiring programs provide employers with tools and incentives to confidentially hire individuals facing employment barriers, broadening the talent pool and contributing to a more diverse and inclusive workforce.  

Federal Bonding

Federal Bonding offers insurance for hiring jobseekers with barriers to employment, offering bonds of up to $25,000 at no cost for up to six months.

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For

Employers hiring job seekers who have poor credit histories, are recovering substance abusers, receive government aid, or are justice-involved.

Benefit

Federal bonds of up to $25,000 are offered at no cost for up to six months, providing employers the security to hire with confidence.

Training Incentives

New Jersey’s training incentives offer companies competitive grants, customized training programs, and industry-driven apprenticeships to enhance employee skills, fill industry gaps, and foster a more skilled workforce. Whether through upskilling current employees, creating training tailored to specific business needs, or combining paid on-the-job learning with classroom instruction, these programs are designed to align workforce development with your business goals.

Upskill: NJ Incumbent Worker Training

NJ Incumbent Worker Training offers competitive grants to help defray the costs of training existing employees, providing 50% cost reimbursement.

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For

Eligible New Jersey-based companies.

Benefit

Upskills grants are block grants to employers to help defray the cost of training existing employees. Grants are competitively awarded to provide 50% cost reimbursement assistance.

Opportunity Partnership for Businesses

The Opportunity Partnership for Business empowers New Jersey companies to create training programs to address industry-specific skill gaps to ensure that employees have the precise skills needed for the job.

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For

Eligible New Jersey-based companies.

Benefit

Employers design the training programs they need to fill a skills gap in their industry. A customized training program with participants vetted by employers is created, and upon completion, employers have new hires with the specific skills they have prioritized.

Registered Apprenticeship

The Registered Apprenticeship Program offers paid on-the-job learning and classroom instruction for New Jersey companies, allowing for the development of training tailored to the specific needs of your business.

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For

Eligible New Jersey-based companies

Benefit

This industry-driven training model combines paid on-the-job learning with classroom instruction. It differs from traditional educational programs in that the employer/organization can develop training that aligns more cohesively with their individual needs. When an apprenticeship is registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), the registration helps standardize the program and earns national recognition.

Let’s Work Together

Our Choose New Jersey team is comprised of seasoned industry experts dedicated to fostering business success across the state, offering personalized support, strategic insight, and New Jersey charm to help your business thrive.

CNJ Website Expert RenaSherman

Rena Sherman

Director of Research and Strategic Partnerships

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