NJDOL announces $1.5M in grants to train women and minority veterans in construction trades
TRENTON, N.J. – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) announced $1.5 million in available funding through the New Jersey Builder’s Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJBUILD) Women and Minority Veterans in Construction Trades grant program to support the training of Garden State women and minority veterans in the construction trades.
This program provides training for women and minority veterans in preparation for placement in Registered Apprenticeship programs and full-time, long-term employment in the construction industry or building and construction trades occupations. It also funds quality support services to help ensure successful placement and retention of these workers.
The NJBUILD Women and Minority Veterans in Construction Trades Program (WMVIC) seeks to break down economic barriers by connecting women veterans and minority veterans to career and training opportunities in the building and construction industry. The program is open to veterans from the National Guard and Reserve, as well as retired and transitioning active-duty military members.
“The NJBUILD program is a cornerstone of our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce in New Jersey’s construction industry,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “By investing in the training and development of New Jersey women and minorities in the construction trades, we are not only creating more equitable job opportunities but also enriching our workforce by ensuring it reflects the diversity of our communities.”
Since FY24, NJDOL has awarded approximately $8.9 million in NJBUILD funding to 19 organizations, supporting the training of about 809 women and minorities in the trades.
“Through NJBUILD funding, The BLOC Foundation has been able to open doors of opportunity for women and minority veterans, equipping them with quality training and pathways to meaningful careers in the construction trades. This investment not only strengthens our workforce, but also empowers those who have served our country to build a stronger future for themselves and their communities,” said Natalie Prisock, Esq., co-founder of The BLOC Foundation.
Eligible applicants include New Jersey employers, trade associations, labor organizations, workforce boards, local education agencies, vocational schools, higher education institutions, nonprofit and community-based organizations, economic development organizations, and government entities.
Funding may support training across construction and building trades, including clean energy and lead abatement, as well as professional, administrative, and skilled trades occupations. Applicants are also required to provide support services to ensure success in employment placement.
Key dates for the grant program are:
- October 10: Letter of Intent due by noon
- October 17: Application due by noon
Complete details are available in the full Notice of Grant Opportunity.
