County College of Morris celebrates new apprenticeship program in advanced manufacturing and new triad partnership
New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development and CMC Steel Join Forces with CCM for Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship Program
RANDOLPH TOWNSHIP, NJ (Morris County) – County College of Morris (CCM) recently celebrated the launch of its new Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship program, made possible through an innovative partnership with CMC Steel and the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL).
The program was developed with input from all three partners, ensuring that CMC Steel’s apprentices receive the knowledge and skills needed to succeed. It will take approximately 4,000 hours, or two years, to complete, making it the largest and most intensive apprenticeship CCM has ever delivered. Upon completion, students will be recognized by the U.S. Department of Labor and receive the Journeyworker designation.
“Partnerships help us thrive, and we’re honored to partner with CMC Steel and the NJDOL,” said Dr. Anthony Iacono, president of CCM. “Manufacturing is one of New Jersey’s largest and most important industries. Our Advanced Manufacturing and Engineering Center (AMEC) was built to ensure that manufacturers across the state have a steady pipeline of highly skilled workers. Partnerships like this help us fulfill our mission of changing lives and strengthening communities.”
“Our partnership with County College of Morris and CMC Steel is a shining example of how education, industry, and government can come together to provide invaluable opportunities for skill development, career advancement, and economic growth,” said Robert Asaro-Angelo, Commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development. “Through programs like these, we are not just preparing individuals for jobs; we are equipping them to drive innovation and success in New Jersey’s workforce.”
Funding for the apprentices was secured through the Growing Apprenticeships in Nontraditional Sectors (GAINS) grant program. This grant, awarded to CCM by the NJDOL, will support students in CCM’s Registered Apprenticeship Programs (RAPs), including the Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship program. The GAINS program promotes the expansion of RAPs—approved by the U.S. Department of Labor—to support better-paying careers and the attainment of advanced credentials.
“CMC Steel is proud to participate in this alliance with NJDOL and CCM,” said Paul Hiler, Northeast Area Human Resources Manager at CMC Steel. “This apprenticeship education benefits our employees in so many ways. Apprenticeships create opportunities for professional and financial growth in the manufacturing sector, which is vital to New Jersey.”
The Industrial Maintenance Mechanic Apprenticeship program is part of CCM’s Center for Workforce Development, which equips students with cutting-edge skills to enhance their marketability in a constantly evolving job market. This program is a key part of CCM’s mission, as advanced manufacturing continues to grow and make a positive impact on the community.
