TRENTON, NJ, November 13, 2017 – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) will highlight the benefits of on-the-job learning during National Apprenticeship Week (November 13-19) through a variety of events, including a visit to Edna Mahan Correctional Facility to observe the carpentry pre-apprenticeship program and a visit to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center to shadow health care apprentices.

The U.S. Department of Labor’s National Apprenticeship Week celebration offers leaders in business, education, and their partners a chance to express their support for apprenticeship. This week’s events highlight the benefits of apprenticeship in preparing a highly-skilled workforce to meet the talent needs of employers across diverse industries. 

“The ability to gain real-world job experience while working toward a degree, industry-valued credential, or certification has tremendous advantages. Apprenticeship programs like these serve to strengthen New Jersey’s workforce and economy,” said LWD's Commissioner Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D.

SCHEDULE

Monday, November 13

Carpentry Apprenticeship Program, Edna Mahan Correctional Facility for Women, Clinton

LWD Assistant Commissioner Patricia Moran speaks to inmates in pre-apprenticeship program 

11 a.m., Closed to press

Tuesday, November 14

Apprenticeship Collaboration Event, Adult Learning Center, New Brunswick

LWD Commissioner Aaron Fichtner to speak and participate in program

10:00 a.m., Open to press

Wednesday, November 15

Health Care Apprenticeship Program, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, Newark

LWD Commissioner Aaron Fichtner to shadow health care apprentices

10:30 a.m., Closed to press

Thursday, November 16

Carpentry Apprenticeship Event at The Training Center, Kenilworth

LWD Commissioner Aaron Fichtner to speak and participate in program

10:30 a.m., Open to press

Friday, November 17

Certified Alcohol and Drug Counseling Apprenticeship Program, Rutgers University, New Brunswick

LWD Commissioner Aaron Fichtner to make announcement with Rutgers University leadership

Advisory will be released later this week

As part of LWD's ongoing commitment to build New Jersey's workforce through apprenticeship and other work-based learning opportunities, the Department announced the award of $8.4 million in state grants last week to oversee the state’s Talent Development Centers -- creating innovative apprenticeships and other career pathways in the Garden State’s seven key industries: Advanced Manufacturing; Construction & Utilities; Financial Services; Health Care; Life Sciences; Retail, Hospitality & Tourism; and Transportation, Logistics & Distribution. Each Talent Development Center will receive $1.2 million in state funds to serve as a "Centers for Excellence” as anchors for expanded, high-quality, employer-driven partnerships that involve businesses, high schools, colleges, universities, labor unions, and workforce development boards.

Apprenticeships are part of the ‘65 by 25: Many Paths, One Future’ initiative, working to build a skilled, competitive workforce by helping New Jerseyans find pathways to careers. This collaborative effort of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Department of Education, and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is focused on increasing the percentage of New Jersey adults who have earned an industry-valued post-secondary credential or degree from 50 percent to 65 percent by 2025.

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