Steve Adubato recently spoke with Soraia Mendes, Principal of The Newark School of Architecture and Interior Design, about the ways vocational education is addressing workforce shortages. The conversation focused on how schools are equipping students with skills that meet current labor market needs.
Mendes explained the importance of practical training for students to be ready for employment in industries experiencing a shortage of qualified workers. “Vocational education provides our students with real-world experience and skills that directly align with what employers are looking for,” Mendes said.
Organizations like the New Jersey Business and Industry Association (NJBIA) play a role in connecting educational institutions with industry needs. NJBIA serves as the nation’s largest statewide employer association, representing businesses across various sectors and offering support through advocacy, resources, and benefits to help members succeed, according to its official website. NJBIA also promotes partnerships among businesses, government entities, and academic institutions in New Jersey to strengthen workforce development.
Michele Siekerka is president and chief executive officer of NJBIA. The association is based in Trenton, New Jersey, and has worked since 1910 to support private-sector employers throughout the state by providing essential information and cost-saving benefits [source].
The interview highlighted how collaborative efforts between vocational schools and organizations like NJBIA can help prepare students to fill workforce gaps across New Jersey’s economy.
