The state Department of Labor and Workforce Development has announced nearly $1.9 million in grants aimed at enhancing access and training for women and minorities pursuing careers in construction trades. This funding is part of the New Jersey Builders Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity program (NJBUILD).
Four organizations have been selected to receive FY25 Round 1 grants totaling $1,932,524. These funds will be used to train 140 workers in various construction fields including general construction, HVAC, and plumber pre-apprenticeships. The grant recipients include Pathways to Apprenticeship NJ with $600,000; the Elizabeth Development Company receiving $537,280; Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Center with a grant of $351,780; and the East Orange School District awarded $443,464.
Over the past six years, New Jersey has invested over $73 million through grant programs designed to create work-based learning opportunities as well as pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs. Last year saw a record-setting allocation of $8.5 million through NJBUILD, marking the highest amount distributed in the program's 15-year history.
Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo stated: "NJBUILD grants are critical investments in the future of New Jersey women and minorities who want to build a career in the construction trades. These funds will empower them with the skills and opportunities needed to not just open doors in this industry but to succeed. By fostering a more inclusive workforce, we are ensuring that we are creating a fairer, stronger Garden State today and for generations to come."
NJBUILD includes both the Women and Minorities in Construction program and the Women and Minority Veterans in Construction program. These initiatives focus on outreach and occupational skills training such as pre-apprenticeship training, registered apprenticeship, and on-the-job training specifically for women and minority residents.
The program supports participants by equipping them with necessary workforce readiness skills required for union apprenticeships or jobs related to construction. It also assists public works contractors, businesses, and trade unions by reimbursing wages and related costs associated with meeting their workforce needs.
