The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Office of Apprenticeship announced $2.5 million in funding Nov. 12 through the New Jersey Builder’s Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJBUILD) Women and Minorities in Construction Trades grant program to support the training of minority and women residents.
The Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program seeks to eliminate economic barriers associated with investing in skills training and work readiness and connect minority populations and women to quality career and training opportunities in the building and construction industry.
This is the first round of this grant funding this year that will provide women and minority participants with training in preparation for placement in registered apprenticeships or full-time, long-term employment in the construction industry or building and construction trades occupations and provides support services to ensure successful placement and retention in employment.
Key dates are as follows: Nov. 19, 10 a.m.: Virtual technical assistance (TA) workshop (pre-registration required by noon on Nov. 18; applicants must attend); Dec. 5: Letter of Intent due by noon; Dec. 12: Application due by noon.
Since fiscal year 2024, the labor department has awarded about $8.9 million in NJBUILD funding to 19 organizations to support the training of approximately 809 women and minorities in the construction trades.
Debbie M. Myers, CEO of NJBUILD grantee Myers Crossing LLC, said, “The NJBUILD grant to train women and minorities specifically for the construction trades was instrumental in Myers Crossing LLC’s mission to ‘level the playing field’ for minorities and women in the construction and construction related industries. It helps those going through challenging times with the ability to gain the skills necessary to enter employment and ultimately remove them from other government subsidies to self-sufficiency.”
Funding from this NJBUILD grant announcement is intended 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.
