Sussex County Community College, Servant’s Heart partner to create construction career pathway
NEWTON, N.J. (Sussex County) — Sussex County Community College (SCCC) and Servant’s Heart have announced a new partnership that will allow students completing a building construction certificate program to earn college credits toward an associate degree in construction technology.
Under the agreement, students who successfully complete Servant’s Heart’s Building Construction Certificate program will receive three college credits for Building Construction 101 at SCCC. The credits will count toward the college’s Associate in Applied Science degree in Building Construction Technology.
The partnership is designed to help students transition from hands-on vocational training to higher education while preparing for careers in the construction industry.
“This partnership is exactly what we mean when we talk about creating pathways from education to careers,” said Jason Fruge, SCCC Dean of Technical Occupations. “Students are gaining valuable, hands-on construction skills through Servant’s Heart while also creating a direct pathway to a college degree. We want students to see that their career education does not have to stop; it can be the beginning of a college education and a successful career.”
Servant’s Heart Ministry is a nonprofit organization that provides hands-on training and education to help individuals develop practical skills and prepare for careers in the construction trades.
Its Building Construction Certificate program offers students experience in the industry while establishing a foundation for entering the workforce or continuing their education.
Through the new agreement, students completing the certificate program can enter SCCC with credits already earned toward their associate degree and continue their education in the college’s Building Construction Technology program.
College officials said the partnership also aims to address the region’s growing demand for skilled construction workers by combining practical training, college-level coursework and industry-connected education.
“Servant’s Heart is committed to helping young people discover their talents, develop meaningful skills, and build a pathway toward a successful future,” said Ron Vreeland, Development Coordinator at Servant’s Heart. “Our partnership with Sussex County Community College gives students an opportunity to take the skills they develop through our Building Construction Certificate and continue them into a college degree.”
The initiative is part of SCCC’s efforts to expand career and technical education opportunities through partnerships with local organizations, schools, employers and workforce development agencies.
“When I visited Servant’s Heart, it was clear this program gives young people something invaluable: the chance to explore plumbing, welding, electrical, and other trades before choosing a career path,” said Beth Rodgers, Executive Director of the Workforce Development Board of Northwest NJ. “This is the goal of our Workforce Development Board. Students explore the trades, earn college credits, and gain an educational pathway to high-paying careers. This partnership with SCCC turns that discovery into real opportunity.”
Officials said the pathway is intended to help students build on their existing skills, earn college credentials and improve their long-term career and earning potential.
Students interested in the building construction pathway can learn more about the certificate and associate degree programs by contacting Servant’s Heart or Sussex County Community College.
