NJDOL announces $6M grant to support women, minorities in the construction trades
NEW JERSEY – The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) has announced $6 million in available funding under the New Jersey Builders Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity’s (NJBUILD) Women and Minorities in Construction Trades grant program to foster training opportunities for minorities and women in construction and related trades.
NJBUILD promotes outreach and occupational skills training such as pre-apprenticeship training, registered apprenticeship, and on-the-job-training for women and minority residents, helping them gain the workforce readiness and skills needed to enter a union apprenticeship or employment in a construction-related job with a pay rate of no less than $15 per hour.
The program also assists public works contractors, businesses, and trade unions in meeting their workforce needs, as well as provides reimbursement of wages and related costs.
“Through NJBUILD, we’re engaging with both participants and employers to ensure underrepresented populations have a pathway to a successful and rewarding career in the construction trades,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Equity has been a strong principle of Governor Murphy’s administration and is at the core of all aspects of our department’s work.”
In support of Governor Murphy’s commitment to investing in the green economy, a portion of this grant funding is dedicated to proposals including, but not limited to, offshore wind, energy efficiency, environmental infrastructure, grid infrastructure and storage, solar, and weatherization occupations.
Applications are also encouraged to focus on training and placement into lead abatement occupations.
NJBUILD was created under P.L. 2009, chapters 313 and 335, and is funded by contributions from state agencies, independent authorities, and colleges and universities of one-half of one percent of the total cost of public works construction contracts of $1,000,000 or greater.
Key dates:
- February 28 and March 14: Technical assistance workshops (pre-registration required by noon the day prior to each session)
- March 31: Letter of intent due by noon
- April 6: Application due by noon
For complete information on the NJBUILD grant, visit www.nj.gov/labor/research-info/grants.shtml.