Through a partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL), New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development, and the Mercer County Technical School (MCTS), participants will help advance the fields of fusion energy and plasma physics research at this national laboratory, helping to develop the scientific understanding and key innovations needed to realize fusion as an energy source for the world.

“We must ensure that our residents are prepared for jobs in the 21st century economy,” said Governor Murphy. “This new program is another significant step toward our efforts to provide New Jerseyans with the essential skills they need in order to succeed.”

“Our Office of Apprenticeship has been working diligently to spread the message that apprenticeships can bring new opportunities to all industry sectors,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Bringing apprenticeships to a leader in scientific research proves that this earn-while-you-learn model has far-reaching capabilities across all industries looking to development pipelines of talent. We are proud to work with our partners at the USDOL to support New Jersey’s young minds, as we continue our state’s rich history of innovation.”
Apprentices will be directly supporting the maintenance and operations of fusion reactors and other experimental devices on the cutting edge of the research and development at PPPL.

“We are proud to offer this innovative and important program, which will give talented young people excellent on-the-job training and mentorship at a national laboratory,” said Steve Cowley, PPPL Director. “They will become highly skilled technicians who will help us carry out our mission of developing fusion as a clean, safe, and abundant source of electric energy. It is indeed a grand technical challenge, and we are excited to be part of the state’s Innovation Economy envisioned by the governor.”

MCTS will be providing apprentices with job-related classroom instruction. Apprentices will also receive 8,000 hours of on-the-job training at PPPL, competitive pay and Princeton University benefits, and will be eligible for full-time employment upon completion of the program.

To learn more about the Garden State’s apprenticeship opportunities, please visit nj.gov/labor/apprenticeship.