NJDOL Announces $3M in Grants to Train Displaced Workers

On Oct 2, 2025

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced $3 million in available grant funding through the Opportunity Partnership Grant (OPG) program, which helps displaced/dislocated workers secure gainful employment at sustainable wages by offering training tailored to the needs of in-demand industries.

The OPG program provides training to fill workforce skills gaps, with trainees earning industry-valued credentials aimed at jumpstarting both their careers and earning potential.

“These grants are a crucial investment in our workforce, offering displaced workers a path to stable, well-paying jobs in sectors that need skilled talent,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “By providing targeted training, we’re helping individuals get back on their feet while filling critical workforce gaps.”

Eligible applicants include New Jersey Workforce Development Boards that engage external third-party training providers, post-secondary educational institutions, and eligible training providers approved by NJDOL. Training must lead to an industry-recognized certificate, credential, or licensure if required for job placement.

Proposals must include the training to be provided to the displaced/dislocated workers, with the intent to teach skills required by employer-partners to fill full-time job openings. Employer-partners can hire and retain selected individuals for at least six months following successful completion of training at a wage of $18 or more per hour.

Applicants may be awarded up to $10,000 per trainee, up to a maximum of $300,000. Grant recipients must collaborate with a New Jersey One-Stop Career Center to recruit eligible training program candidates.

Entities eligible to apply for the grant include:

• New Jersey’s Workforce Development Boards (WDBs) who engage external, third-party training providers. Workforce Development Board applicants who apply as a service provider should adhere to WIOA guidance.
• Post-secondary educational institutions.
• Registered Training Providers who are on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL) and approved by NJDOL Login.
• Private Career Schools that are approved by NJDOL and NJDOE. Current & Prospective Private Career Schools (PCS) (nj.gov)

Applicants must submit a letter of intent, be registered and approved by NJDOL in the online IGX grant management system, and complete and upload required documents.

KEY DATES:

• Step One: IGX registration completed/updated by the Authorized Official: Oct. 29, by 3 p.m.
• Step Two: Online Letter of Intent (LOI) form submitted by the applicant and accepted by NJDOL: Oct. 30, by 3 p.m.
• Step Three Online application with all Required Documents uploaded, completed, and submitted in IGX: Dec. 17, by 3 p.m.

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