Official Site of The State of New Jersey

September 22, 2026

TRENTON – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) Office of Apprenticeship has announced the availability of $2 million through its first round of FY27 New Jersey Builder’s Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJBUILD) Women and Minorities in Construction Trades grant funding to support the training of minority and women residents of New Jersey in the building and construction industry.  

The Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program (WMIC) seeks to eliminate economic barriers commonly associated with investing in skills training and work readiness and connect minority populations and women to quality career and training opportunities in the building and construction trades. 

“New Jersey’s construction industry is a pipeline to opportunity, and it is strongest when it reflects the people and communities of our state,” said Governor Sherrill. “This $2 million investment will help more women and minority residents access training and Registered Apprenticeships that lead to good-paying jobs and rewarding careers in the construction trades.” 

“This round of funding builds on years of proven success connecting women and minorities to high-quality construction careers,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “These investments help break down barriers, create pathways to family-sustaining wages, and ensure our construction workforce reflects the strength and diversity of communities across New Jersey.” 

This is the first round of NJBUILD funding for FY27, which aims to provide training for women and minority program participants in preparation for placement in Registered Apprenticeships or full-time, long-term employment in the construction industry or building and construction trades. This program provides quality support services to women and minorities to ensure both successful placement and employment retention. 

Since FY19, NJDOL has awarded more than $24 million in NJBUILD funding through the Women and Minorities in Construction and the Women and Minority Veterans in Construction competitive grant programs to train more than 2,500 New Jersey women and minorities in the building and construction trades. 

“The NJBUILD Women and Minorities in Construction Trades program is a critical investment in untapped talent and reflects our commitment to building an inclusive, skilled construction workforce,” said Jessica Richardson, NJDOL’s Chief of NJBUILD and Special Initiatives. “Through this initiative, participants are connected to hands-on training, earn industry-recognized credentials, and pursue pathways to Registered Apprenticeships and employment — launching careers that strengthen our communities and our state’s infrastructure for generations to come.” 

The following organizations are eligible to apply for the NJBUILD grant as a lead applicant: 

• Any employer based in New Jersey or with a New Jersey presence;
• Workforce Intermediary Sponsors;
• Employer/Trade Associations;
• Any labor organization that represents workers in the occupation for which the apprentices will be trained;
• Labor/Management Partnership (public or private);
• New Jersey Local Education Agency (LEA);
• Public vocational schools within New Jersey;
• Public high schools within New Jersey;
• Two- and four-year institutions of higher education;
• Public or private non-profit organizations (including Community Based Organizations);
• Business or trade organizations representing a particular trade, group of trades, contractors, or employers;
• Community-based organizations;
• New Jersey local Workforce Development Boards;
• Economic development organizations;
• State, Local, and County governments within New Jersey;
• Faith-based organizations; and
• Any other private educational or training entity that is on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL). 

Funding from this grant will be used to support training in building and construction occupations in clean energy and lead abatement, as well as in the construction industry for craft, administrative, support, and operational roles, along with professional titles and skilled trades. 

“The NJBUILD grant has allowed Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers (EASCTC) to expand access to the skilled trades for individuals from underserved communities, including first-generation tradespeople who may not have the built-in support system that often comes from having family members or mentors with experience in the trades,” said David Iannucci, Special Projects Coordinator/Accreditation Liaison Officer with EASCTC. “Through WMIC, participants receive that built-in mentorship, along with supportive services designed to help eliminate barriers that could otherwise stand in the way of their success. Combined with high-quality technical and hands-on training, these resources give participants the support, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in their apprenticeship and build sustainable, family-supporting careers in New Jersey’s skilled construction workforce.”

Key dates: 

• September 24, 10 a.m., and October 6, 1 p.m.: Virtual technical assistance (TA) workshop (pre-registration required at least one business day prior). Register for September 24 here, or October 6 here.
• October 21: Letter of Intent due by noon
• October 28: Application due by noon 

View complete application instructions and the full Notice of Grant Opportunity here.  

See all available grants on NJDOL’s Grant Opportunities website. 

Find more information on the New Jersey Office of Apprenticeship.  

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