UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program
The UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program helps New Jersey employers enhance their workforce’s skills through reimbursed training, supporting business competitiveness and employee development.
Funder: New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development
Due Dates: September 23, 2026 (Round 1 LOI) | October 2, 2026 (Round 1 IGX registration) | October 28, 2026 (Round 1 Application) | January 8, 2027 (Round 2 LOI) | January 22, 2027 (Round 2 IGX registration) | February 24, 2027 (Round 2 Application)
Funding Amounts: $7,000,000 total for FY2027; up to $250,000 per applicant per round (2 rounds/year); 12-month project period.
Summary: Supports New Jersey employers in upskilling current full-time employees through partial reimbursement for eligible training costs.
Key Information: Applicants may submit one application per round (max two per year); matching funds required; only NJ-based employers/consortia eligible.
Description
The UPSKILL: NJ Incumbent Worker Training Grant Program, administered by the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, is designed to help New Jersey-based businesses enhance the occupational skills of their current workforce. The program provides up to 50% reimbursement for eligible training costs, supporting a wide range of training formats including third-party classroom instruction, on-the-job training, and company in-house sessions. The initiative aims to strengthen frontline worker competencies, improve employee retention, and increase business competitiveness by fostering a more skilled and adaptable workforce.
