The UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program is a funding initiative by the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) aimed at providing cost reimbursement assistance of up to 50% for New Jersey-based employers. The grant focuses on training frontline incumbent workers to meet both current and future occupational skill requirements, ensuring workforce retention and career advancement. The funds are not intended for company-required annual training or new-employee orientation. Instead, they support workforce development in key industry sectors, particularly those aligned with the Governor’s Economic Development Plan.

The primary purpose of this grant is to enhance the competitiveness of New Jersey’s workforce and strengthen businesses by subsidizing job-specific training. Training must focus on improving workforce skills in Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy, Film & Digital Media, Finance & Professional Services, Food & Beverage, Life Sciences, Offshore Wind, Technology, and Transportation & Logistics. Employers can utilize funds for third-party classroom training, on-the-job training (OJT), or company in-house training. Eligible expenses include tuition fees, textbooks, software, and examination/credentialing fees, while online access fees are not eligible. Employers must commit to retaining employees for at least six months post-training.

Eligible applicants include single employers seeking to train their workforce, as well as employer organizations, labor organizations, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, secondary or postsecondary schools, or training providers applying on behalf of an industry-specific consortium of employers. However, seasonal, temporary, part-time, commission-based, and 1099 employees are not eligible. Additionally, applicants must be in good standing with tax obligations and must post all job openings with the Local One-Stop Career Center.

Applications are submitted through IGX, NJDOL’s grant management system. The process involves three steps: (1) IGX registration/update, (2) Letter of Intent (LOI) submission, and (3) full application submission, including a Long-Range Human Resource Development Plan and a Narrative response. Deadlines are structured across four application rounds, with specific dates ranging from September 2024 to April 2025. Applications will be competitively reviewed by a panel of NJDOL representatives, with scores based on the Long-Range Plan (20 points) and Narrative responses (80 points).

Funding is sourced from the Workforce Development Partnership Fund, with a total program allocation of $15,000,000 for FY 2025. A single employer or consortium can qualify for a maximum award of $500,000, with cost-sharing of 50% required. All funding is reimbursable, meaning expenses must be incurred upfront and then submitted for reimbursement. If a business leaves New Jersey within three years, all grant funds must be repaid.

Successful applicants must comply with quarterly NJDOL monitoring visits, training evaluations, and reporting requirements, including a Final Activity Report within 60 days post-contract completion. Businesses that fail to invoice at least 30% of the award within six months risk de-obligation of remaining funds. Overall, the UPSKILL grant supports the long-term growth, stability, and competitive standing of New Jersey’s workforce.