What “essential skills” do you see as most critical for the future workforce in New Jersey?
The most essential skills for New Jersey’s future workforce are a combination of both human and technical capabilities. On the human side, adaptability, teamwork, and a mindset of continuous learning are top priorities for employers. Industries are changing so quickly that curiosity and the ability to grow with one’s profession will be just as important as the technical skills themselves. On the technical side, proficiency in areas such as artificial intelligence, data literacy, and digital fluency sets students up for success across nearly every sector. Whether in healthcare, manufacturing, finance, or technology, employees must not only use these tools but also understand how to interpret and apply them in ways that drive innovation and efficiency. At CCM, we view these essential skills as interconnected—by teaching students how to problem-solve, collaborate, and embrace new technologies, we are preparing a workforce that is not only job-ready today but future-ready tomorrow.
How is your institution partnering with employers to ensure graduates are workforce-ready?
At CCM, we don’t see workforce readiness as something that happens after completion, but rather we build it into the student experience, whether that be in credit or workforce development programs. We consider ourselves a partnership school because we collaborate directly with employers across different industries as we develop programs, align curriculum with industry needs, and connect students to hands-on experiences such as internships, apprenticeships, and work-based learning.
Our Workforce Development programs partner with hiring companies to offer initial introductory interviews on campus for roles in manufacturing, certified nursing aide, and pharmacy technician positions. These collaborations allow employers to help shape the skills they need while giving students a clear pathway to high-demand, high-wage careers.
CCM is fortunate to have several successful educational–industry partnerships that positively impact students, the community, and top companies across various sectors. One notable example is our partnership with Atlantic Health (AH). Our faculty have worked closely with AH to build a pipeline connecting students directly into high-demand healthcare careers, including nursing, imaging, and allied health fields. AH not only advises on curriculum but also provides clinical placements and career pathways for our students. Many students secure positions within AH even before graduation. This collaboration ensures graduates are trained in the exact skills needed, while helping meet New Jersey’s growing demand for a highly skilled healthcare workforce.
In the advanced manufacturing sector, our partner WEISS AUG helped develop CCM’s initial advanced manufacturing bootcamp curriculum and continues to provide input on program success and outcomes. This top-tier company has hired students from both college credit and workforce development programs, demonstrating the effectiveness of each program and the strength of our educational–industry partnerships.
What efforts are being made to reach underrepresented communities and ensure equitable access to workforce pathways?
At CCM, we believe access to education is essential to building a strong workforce and community. One of our signature efforts is the Promise programs, to help students from communities such as Dover and Morristown High Schools, overcome academic and financial barriers to higher education.
Through these programs, students participate in activities that strengthen their academic skills, build effective study habits, and prepare them for the college application process. Just as importantly, each participant can receive a CCM Foundation Scholarship to help make college financially attainable. By pairing academic preparation with financial support, we are not only opening doors to college but also creating pathways to meaningful careers. Programs like this ensure that students who might otherwise be left behind, can succeed.
In addition, CCM offers senior high school students a yearlong, non-credit Advanced Manufacturing and Automation program for Morristown High School on CCM’s campus. Students in this program earn a minimum of four industry-recognized credentials, gain career readiness skills, and access interview opportunities—ensuring that those who might otherwise be left behind have tangible pathways into high-demand industries.
