NJDOL announces $2M grant for minorities and women in the construction trades

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development on Friday announced $2 million in available funding through the New Jersey Builder’s Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJBUILD) Women and Minorities in Construction Trades grant program.

NJBUILD is designed to provide training opportunities for minorities and women in the construction trades so that minorities and women can realize equal employment opportunities in public contracting.

Funding to eligible organizations will offer construction trades training, placement services, and quality support services to women and minority populations per the Notice of Grant Opportunities (NGO).

“The NJBUILD grant program is about preparing women and minorities for meaningful careers in the construction industry to foster a more diverse and inclusive workforce,” Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo, said. “By offering targeted training, placement services, and quality support, we are paving the way for long-term, sustainable employment opportunities in the building trades for historically underrepresented people.”

The following organizations are eligible to apply as the 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;

• Any other private educational or training entity that is on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL).

Funding from this grant announcement shall be used to support training in the construction and building trades industry, including clean energy and lead abatement occupations. Occupations within the construction craft, administrative, support, or operational occupations are also acceptable. This includes professional titles as well as skilled trades.

Applicants are required to provide quality support services to ensure success for placement into employment.

Key dates:

November 1: Letter of Intent due by noon

November 8: Application due by noon

View complete details and the full Notice of Grant Opportunity here.