N.J. labor department announces $1.5M in grants to train women, minorities for construction careers
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development announced $1.5 million in grant funding to support training programs that prepare women and minority residents for careers in the construction trades.
The funding is available through the New Jersey Builder’s Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJBUILD) Women and Minorities in Construction Trades program, which aims to help participants gain skills and access career opportunities in the building and construction industry.
The program seeks to reduce economic barriers that can prevent individuals from pursuing job training while connecting participants to registered apprenticeships and long-term employment opportunities in the trades.
“The NJBUILD initiative is more than just an investment in skills training — it’s an investment in New Jersey’s communities and future,” Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis said in a statement. “By empowering women and minority workers with the training needed to excel in the construction trades, we are laying the foundation for a workforce that reflects the diversity of our state.”
The announcement marks the second round of NJBUILD funding for fiscal year 2026 supporting training programs focused on building and construction careers. The program also provides support services designed to help participants secure employment and maintain long-term job stability.
Since fiscal year 2019, the labor department has awarded more than $23 million in NJBUILD grants, helping train more than 2,400 women and minority residents for careers in the construction industry.
Eligible applicants include employers, labor organizations, trade associations, workforce development boards, local and county governments, nonprofit organizations, educational institutions and other training providers in New Jersey.
Grant funding may support training for a range of construction-related roles, including skilled trades, clean energy work, lead abatement, administrative and operational positions in the construction industry.
Key deadlines for the grant program include a virtual technical assistance workshop on March 18, a letter of intent due April 8, and full applications due April 15, according to the department.
