New Jersey announces $2 million in grants to prepare women, minorities for construction careers
TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has announced $2 million in grant funding to help prepare women and minority residents for careers in the building and construction trades.
The funding is available through the first fiscal year 2027 round of the New Jersey Builder’s Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity Women and Minorities in Construction Trades program, known as NJBUILD WMIC. The state lists $2 million as available for the competitive grant program.
The program seeks to eliminate economic barriers associated with skills training and work readiness while connecting women and minority residents with career and training opportunities in the construction industry.
“New Jersey’s construction industry is a pipeline to opportunity, and it is strongest when it reflects the people and communities of our state,” said Governor Sherrill. “This $2 million investment will help more women and minority residents access training and Registered Apprenticeships that lead to good-paying jobs and rewarding careers in the construction trades.”
The funding is intended to prepare participants for placement in Registered Apprenticeships or full-time, long-term employment in the construction industry and building trades. The program also provides support services aimed at helping participants obtain and retain employment.
“This round of funding builds on years of proven success connecting women and minorities to high-quality construction careers,” said Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis. “These investments help break down barriers, create pathways to family-sustaining wages, and ensure our construction workforce reflects the strength and diversity of communities across New Jersey.”
Since fiscal year 2019, NJDOL has awarded more than $24 million through its Women and Minorities in Construction and Women and Minority Veterans in Construction competitive grant programs to train more than 2,500 women and minorities in New Jersey’s building and construction trades.
“The NJBUILD Women and Minorities in Construction Trades program is a critical investment in untapped talent and reflects our commitment to building an inclusive, skilled construction workforce,” said Jessica Richardson, NJDOL’s Chief of NJBUILD and Special Initiatives. “Through this initiative, participants are connected to hands-on training, earn industry-recognized credentials, and pursue pathways to Registered Apprenticeships and employment — launching careers that strengthen our communities and our state’s infrastructure for generations to come.”
Grant funding can support training in building and construction occupations, including clean energy and lead abatement, as well as craft, administrative, support and operational positions, professional titles and skilled trades.
Eligible lead applicants include New Jersey employers, labor organizations, labor-management partnerships, public vocational and high schools, colleges and universities, nonprofit and community organizations, local workforce development boards, economic development organizations, state, county and local governments, faith-based organizations and certain private education or training providers.
“The NJBUILD grant has allowed Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers (EASCTC) to expand access to the skilled trades for individuals from underserved communities, including first-generation tradespeople who may not have the built-in support system that often comes from having family members or mentors with experience in the trades,” said David Iannucci, Special Projects Coordinator/Accreditation Liaison Officer with EASCTC. “Through WMIC, participants receive that built-in mentorship, along with supportive services designed to help eliminate barriers that could otherwise stand in the way of their success. Combined with high-quality technical and hands-on training, these resources give participants the support, skills, and opportunities they need to succeed in their apprenticeship and build sustainable, family-supporting careers in New Jersey’s skilled construction workforce.”
Virtual technical assistance workshops are scheduled for 10 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 24, and 1 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 6. Pre-registration is required at least one business day before the workshops.
Letters of intent are due by noon Oct. 21, and applications are due by noon Oct. 28.
