Under the leadership of the New Jersey Department of
Labor and Workforce Development, in conjunction with NJEDA, the State
Employment and Training Commission, the Department of Education and the Department
of Treasury, the State of NJ is initiating a workforce development strategy to
accomplish two objectives:
1. Increase employment opportunities for women and minorities
to learn construction-related skills, and to benefit from school construction
projects in their communities; and
2. Assist contractors and trade unions in recruiting and training women
and minorities to fill their workforce needs under the New Jersey School
Construction Initiative.
The program components provide a variety of innovative
training and support services designed to increase the success rate for
participants to obtain apprenticeships in the construction trades.
• A support network of counselors and service providers
supply guidance, encouragement, and solutions to success-threatening circumstances
that may arise for trainees.
• A one-time incentive of up to $5,000 per year paid to a construction
trade union or contractor sponsoring a registered apprentice;
• A one-time scholarship of $3,000 applied to the cost of tuition
for any eligible trainee who enrolls in a state-approved construction
trade training program; and
• A one-time dollar-for-dollar match (to a maximum of $1,000) for
trainees who contribute funds to re-establish their valid NJ driver’s
license if it was revoked due to non-payment of fines and fees for non-criminal
violations.
Expected Program Outcomes
• Provide expanded job opportunities to women and minorities, and
to meet workforce skill needs of the construction industry.
• A good paying career (apprenticeship) with a union or a construction
trade contractor, or employment in the construction industry.
