Official Site of The State of New JerseyBusiness Industry Leadership Team (BILT)
The Industry Partnership team at the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL), in collaboration with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), is committed to advancing a sustainable and thriving green economy workforce in New Jersey. By adapting the Business Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, we aim to effectively address the workforce needs of energy efficiency employers through strategic public-private partnerships.
The Industry Partnership team at the New Jersey Department of Labor (NJDOL), in collaboration with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU), is committed to advancing a sustainable and thriving green economy workforce in New Jersey. By adapting the Business Industry Leadership Team (BILT) model, we aim to effectively address the workforce needs of energy efficiency employers through strategic public-private partnerships. Our mission is to drive innovation and excellence in workforce development by aligning training modules with industry demands, fostering meaningful collaborations, and ensuring the successful implementation of statewide green economy initiatives. Through these efforts, we strive to empower New Jersey's workforce and pave the way for a resilient and prosperous green future.
The Business Industry Leadership Team Conference at NJIT focused on developing a state workforce energy program to prepare workers for energy efficiency and electrification projects, where we explored needs assessments with employers, training institutions and community-based organizations. Key challenges identified included barriers such as insufficient math skills, ESL, recruitment, infrastructure needs, and pathway clarity, with strategies proposed for educational outreach, community collaboration, and expanded apprenticeship programs. Discussions emphasized expanding training providers, targeting disadvantaged communities, and supporting small contractors through financial aid and industry collaboration. Effective practices highlighted included partnerships, skill development with wraparound services, and inclusive hiring, with a focus on overcoming barriers to employment and ensuring ongoing support for workforce development.
The Business & Industry Leadership Meeting focused on New Jersey's energy efficiency programs and workforce development, with an emphasis on achieving 100% clean energy by 2035. Key discussions revolved around Triennium 2, the second three-year cycle for implementing energy efficiency initiatives, which includes utility-based training programs and efforts to address training gaps and support job growth. Various funding opportunities and programs, such as the Inflation Reduction Act, were explored to enhance energy efficiency and facilitate workforce development. The meeting stressed collaboration and the need for a centralized resource hub to streamline training and employment opportunities across New Jersey.
The third Business and Industry Leadership Team (BILT3) meeting focused on addressing a barrier that was discussed in BILT 1 on understanding wraparound services and resources that are available in the state. The stakeholders got to hear from both local and state level resources and organizations that they can partner to resolve their challenges. Special emphasis was placed on wraparound services to support workforce equity, employment opportunities, and infrastructure development.
The Business Industry Leadership Team 4 Meeting focused on New Jersey's clean energy initiatives, with key presentations highlighting collaborative efforts between state agencies to achieve ambitious climate goals. The meeting emphasized workforce development in the clean energy sector, discussing the establishment of a Clean Buildings Hub to support job growth and training, particularly in energy efficiency. BILT 4 included presentations from multiple states across the country who discussed some best practices on their established Clean Building Hubs. Breakout sessions gathered insights into the need for a centralized hub to streamline resources for contractors, homeowners, and businesses, with emphasis on equity and clear communication. The meeting concluded with a discussion on creating a one-stop resource to support New Jersey's clean energy transition, focusing on workforce needs and consumer engagement.
Ryan Richardson: Ryan.Richardson@dol.nj.gov
Terra Meierdierck: tmm@njit.edu
The success of the partnerships depends on business leaders being open and candid about their needs.
New Jersey Industry Partnerships offer an opportunity to find efficiencies in working together to deepen our relationships with businesses.