N.J. Admin. Code § 4A:3-3.7 - Trainee, apprentice, recruit, and intern titles

(a) Trainee, apprentice, recruit, and intern titles may be established in State and local service to provide for entry level employment.

1. Unless otherwise specified, this section applies to all titles designated by the term "trainee" and to other titles where the job specification necessitates the application of this section, such as apprentice, recruit, and intern titles.

2. A single trainee title may provide entry level employment for more than one title or title series, under appropriate circumstances.

3. In State service, trainee positions are established by the temporary downward classification of another title.

(b) Positions in competitive trainee titles may only be filled by regular appointments from open competitive, promotional, regular, or special reemployment lists, or, in the absence of such lists, by provisional appointments. Positions in noncompetitive trainee titles may only be filled by regular appointments, including appointments from regular or special reemployment lists. Eligibility for promotion to a trainee title shall include open competitive requirements.

(c) Upon regular appointment, trainees must successfully complete a working test period.

(d) The duration of the training period shall be as follows:

1. In the case of trainees and recruits only, the length of the training period shall be designated in the job specification for the particular title.

i. The designated length of a training period for a trainee (not an apprentice, recruit, or intern) title shall not be longer than 12 months, unless otherwise provided by law.

ii. The length of a training period for a recruit title may vary in accordance with the applicable job specification or be determined by separate regulatory requirements; or

2. The length of a training period for an apprentice or intern title shall be not less than 12 months and not more than the length of time provided in the applicable job specification to successfully complete the training period, as determined by the time permitted for completion of formal coursework and preparatory training, and, where applicable, attainment of any required certifications, permits, and/or licenses.

(e) The training period must be continuous, except if interrupted by leave or layoff from the title.

(f) The training period may include provisional service in the case of a trainee title.

(g) The training period may include service of the trainee, recruit, apprentice, or intern in a higher related title.

(h) In the case of trainees (not apprentices, recruits, or interns), the training period shall be extended, upon approval by the Chairperson or designee, beyond the time designated in the job specification when:

1. The trainee has not yet completed the working test period; or

2. A trainee is serving provisionally and an eligible list for the title has not yet been issued.

(i) In the case of trainees, apprentices, recruits, and interns, the training period may be reduced, upon approval by the Chairperson or designee, to a shorter period than designated in the specification when:

1. The employee has completed the working test period;

2. The employee meets the minimum qualifications for the primary title; and

3. All employees in the same title subject to the training period in the same appointing authority who meet the conditions specified in (i)1 and 2 above are provided with a reduced training period.

(j) The advancement of the successful, permanent trainee, apprentice, recruit, or intern, as applicable, to the appropriate primary title shall be accomplished without the usual promotional examination process, but rather by regular appointment of the employee to the appropriate primary title.

1. To effect advancement, the appointing authority must certify the employees successful completion of the training period, as well as, where the job specification for the primary title so provides, the satisfaction of any and all additional requirements beyond the trainee requirements, such as obtaining a license, completing extra training, or attaining a particular proficiency standard.

2. In State service, advancement to a primary title shall coincide with the beginning of a pay period.

3. The failure of a permanent employee to successfully complete the training period as indicated in the job specification shall be considered a cause for separation.

4. Trainees, apprentices, recruits, or interns, as applicable, who are advanced to a primary title, shall be required to complete a working test period in the primary title. Employees who fail to successfully complete a working test period in the primary title have no right to return to the trainee, apprentice, recruit, or intern title.

(k) For anniversary date changes in State service when a trainee, apprentice, recruit, or intern receives a regular appointment to the primary title, see N.J.A.C. 4A:3-4.5.

Notes

N.J. Admin. Code § 4A:3-3.7

Amended by 46 N.J.R. 1331(c), effective 6/2/2014. Amended by 49 N.J.R. 1182(a), effective 5/15/2017 Amended by 51 N.J.R. 1115(a), effective 7/1/2019