Enrolling in College through NJ PLACE
What a College Degree can do for you
Why get a college degree if apprenticeship training is all you need to practice your trade? It’s a question that has a different specific answer for everyone. But, one answer that applies to just about everyone is FLEXIBILITY. Having a college degree AND apprenticeship training gives you CHOICES. It lets you pursue a number of different goals, now or in the future.
- You might want to run your own business someday.
- You might want to become a leader on the job or in your union.
- Or, you might want to pursue a new career path in the future.
A college degree gives you the power to make these decisions – if and when you choose. Why get a college degree if you don't need it to practice your trade? – It gives you the power to make choices about your future!
Ready to get started? Here are three easy steps:
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
If you've used our eligibility checker and landed on this page, Congratulations! You're eligible for NJ PLACE. If you haven't used our eligibility checker, please click here to check your eligibility for NJ PLACE.
Step 2: Consider Your Goals
NJ PLACE has set up a degree program with all nineteen NJ community colleges where you can maximize the number of credits that will transfer from your eligible apprenticeship program. It's called an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) in Technical Studies. You can get the general degree that's customized for your occupation, or concentrate your studies in business management or construction management.
For most apprentices looking to earn a college degree, we recommend the general AAS in Technical Studies customized to your occupation. With the exception of Brookdale, all community colleges offer the general AAS in Technical Studies.
If your goal is to own or run a business related to your industry, we recommend the business management concentration. Click here to see the community colleges offering this option.
If your goal is to advance into construction-related management, we recommend the construction management concentration. Click here to see the community colleges offering this option.
If you are an auto-technician with IAM CREST, please see your training director or contact our office for specific information on your degree pathway.
Step 3: Register with NJ PLACE
Once you’ve decided upon the right program of study for you, click here to complete an NJ PLACE interest form, and we will be in touch to help guide you down the pathway toward college success.
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