The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s investment will expand opportunities for businesses to take advantage of the Economic Opportunity Act of 2013, a blueprint to enhance business attraction and retention, job creation efforts and strengthening New Jersey's competitive edge in the global economy. Training funds, totaling an estimated $500,000, will be made available through an open, competitive process and will assist with incumbent worker training, pre-employment training and pre-apprenticeship programs.

The Department of Labor is making available grants through three programs:

• Incumbent Worker Training (Skills4Jersey grants)  
• Pre-employment Training (Opportunity4Jersey grants)
• Pre-apprenticeship Programs (NJBUILD grants)

Today’s announcement is part of New Jersey’s coordinated statewide plan to connect education, workforce development and training systems with the needs of the Garden State’s changing economy.

Working in partnership with Camden County College and three local employers, the Christie Administration’s initial commitment comes via an Opportunity4Jersey grant designed to help build a pipeline of prospective employees for area businesses. The $10,000 grant will train 20 dislocated workers in three of New Jersey’s key industry sectors: manufacturing, transportation and retail, hospitality and tourism.

Participants in the program will take courses in career readiness and work ethics as well as specific vocational training for drivers, scale operators and clerks.

Additionally, the Labor Department is releasing a competitive Notice of Grant Opportunity in the amount of $150,000 to fund a pre-apprenticeship program to prepare women and minorities in the building trades.

For more information about New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development training grants go to Jobs4Jersey.com and click on “Train Your Workforce.”

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