The New Jersey Manufacturing Extension Program officially launched a first-of-its-kind Educational Resources Directory for the state on Wednesday.
“The Educational Resource Directory is a valuable tool not only for manufacturers, but also for those organizations that provide support to them,” John Kennedy, CEO of NJMEP, said.
As the Cedar Knolls-based nonprofit responsible for assisting New Jersey manufacturing companies in becoming more competitive and profitable, NJMEP researched and contacted key academic and business resources to compile a document that would best support manufacturers in improving their workforce development.
“Ensuring that these two groups are aware of each other and able to connect is critical to fostering a dynamic manufacturing community,” Kennedy said.
The Educational Resource Directory therefore lists academic programs devoted to manufacturing, available apprenticeship programs, state resources including Department of Labor offerings and legislative connections, and NJMEP training programs, workshops and events, as well as numerous resources dedicated to business support and development.
If a company is looking to train high school graduates, for example, it might look under the “Vocational-Technical” or “County College Degrees and Certificates” sections. Or, if a job requires specific or unique qualifications, one might look for information within the “Work Force Development Boards” section.
“It is our hope that this directory will provide information and access to services, expertise and training that will help businesses thrive,” Kennedy said. “NJMEP is proud to support the manufacturers and those involved in the supply chain that help to make New Jersey such a vibrant place to live and work.”
