Raritan Valley Community College opens expanded Workforce Training Center to meet industry needs
BRANCHBURG TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Somerset County) — Raritan Valley Community College celebrated the opening of its expanded Workforce Training Center on Sept. 16, a $9.8 million project that school officials and partners say will prepare students for high-demand careers in biomanufacturing, electric vehicle technology, robotics, and welding.
The 22,000-square-foot expansion increases the facility by 50 percent, bringing it to a total of 65,700 square feet. The addition will allow the college to provide experiential learning opportunities in fields that local and regional employers say are urgently needed.
“The expanded Workforce Training Center transforms our campus, enabling RVCC to provide students and the community with cutting-edge facilities and programs. These advancements are a terrific example of the College’s innovative public-private partnerships, as we collaborate with industry to ensure that our students are well skilled and our programs keep pace with emerging workforce demands,” said RVCC President Michael J. McDonough. “To further support these labor needs, the Workforce addition includes state-of-the art facilities and equipment, providing students with hands-on training to seamlessly transition into jobs, and creating a highly talented workforce pipeline.”
The event featured remarks from state and local officials, industry representatives, and college leaders, including Sen. Andrew Zwicker, state Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo, New Jersey Council of County Colleges President Aaron R. Fichtner, Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson, Hunterdon County Commissioner Deputy Director Shaun C. Van Doren, Johnson & Johnson Vice President Kimberly Lounds Foster, RVCC Trustee Michael Goldberg, President McDonough, and RVCC Executive Director of Workforce Development and Career Education Conrad Mercurius.
Funding for the project came from the State of New Jersey, Somerset County, and Hunterdon County. “RVCC’s Workforce Training Center expansion would not have been possible without the tremendous generosity we have received from Somerset and Hunterdon County, and we are extremely grateful to the counties for their support in making these advancements possible,” McDonough said.
“Investing in higher education, like our outstanding Raritan Valley Community College and its state-of-the-art Workforce Training Center, is essential for developing a productive and resilient economy,” said Somerset County Commissioner Director Shanel Y. Robinson. “By partnering with regional businesses on skillset needs, RVCC is creating a talent pipeline, providing students with valuable real-world experience in biomanufacturing, mechatronics, welding, and robotics, that will lead to employment.”
“Hunterdon County is proud to support RVCC’s Workforce Training Center expansion. This project is a direct investment in the future of our regional workforce, ensuring that students gain hands-on experience and training in high-demand fields, while helping our local employers meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving economy,” said Hunterdon County Commissioner Director John E. Lanza.
One highlight of the expansion is the new Aseptic Biomanufacturing program, which features a cleanroom training environment — a first for a New Jersey community college. McDonough said, “With the demand for highly skilled aseptic manufacturing professionals at an all-time high, RVCC’s new Aseptic Biomanufacturing initiative is set to play a crucial role in New Jersey’s biotech and life sciences sector. By equipping students with industry-recognized certifications, hands-on instruction, and direct connections to leading biopharma employers, the program is shaping the workforce of the future.”
“Today’s milestone at Raritan Valley Community College is a testament to the power of collaboration in building New Jersey’s future workforce,” said Kimberly Lounds Foster, Vice President, Advanced Therapies Supply Chain, Johnson & Johnson. “Johnson & Johnson is honored to support RVCC in creating opportunities that not only strengthen New Jersey’s leadership in life sciences but also equip students with the skills and experiences they need to thrive. By investing in a robust local science and manufacturing talent pipeline, we are ensuring that the next generation of innovators is prepared to drive health breakthroughs for years to come right here in NJ.”
Conrad Mercurius, RVCC’s executive director of workforce development, said corporate partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies including Johnson & Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb, Novartis, Merck, BeOne, and Cellares ensure the program remains aligned with industry needs. “These vital corporate partnerships ensure that the College’s Aseptic Biomanufacturing program aligns with the latest industry needs, giving students access to cutting-edge training, networking opportunities, and potential employment pathways,” Mercurius said.
The expansion also features training areas for electric vehicle technology, mechatronics and robotics, and welding, along with new classrooms and a manufacturing showcase space that will connect students with employers and advanced equipment manufacturers.
RVCC is located at 118 Lamington Road in Branchburg. More information is available at www.raritanval.edu.
