TRENTON, N.J. — The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) is advancing its mission to build a more diverse and inclusive construction workforce with a new $2.5 million grant funding round through the New Jersey Builder’s Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJBUILD) program.
The latest funding, announced on Nov. 12, will support the training and placement of women and minority residents into registered apprenticeships and long-term careers across the building and construction trades. The program aims to remove long-standing barriers that often prevent underrepresented groups from entering high-demand skilled trades — including economic constraints, lack of access to training, and limited career awareness.
The Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program under NJBUILD focuses on job readiness, technical skills development, and employment retention support, creating a clear pathway to success for participants. In addition to technical instruction, the initiative provides assistance such as mentoring, job placement support, and wraparound services to help individuals sustain their new careers.
“This grant program continues our ongoing commitment to expanding access and equity in New Jersey’s construction sector,” said an NJDOL representative. “By empowering women and minorities with the skills and opportunities to succeed, we’re helping to strengthen both our workforce and our communities.”
Since fiscal year 2024, NJDOL has awarded nearly $8.9 million in NJBUILD funding to 19 organizations, supporting the training of over 800 women and minorities in various construction trades. This growing investment highlights the department’s strategic focus on closing workforce gaps and preparing workers for high-demand industries, including clean energy and lead abatement occupations — two areas expected to grow rapidly as New Jersey advances its clean energy goals.
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The current funding cycle will provide support for programs that prepare participants for employment not only in the skilled trades but also in construction management, administrative, and operational roles. Eligible occupations include both professional titles and hands-on trades, broadening the range of career opportunities available.
Key application dates have been announced:
Among past recipients, Debbie M. Myers, CEO of Myers Crossing LLC, praised the impact of NJBUILD’s funding.
“The NJBUILD grant to train women and minorities specifically for the construction trades was instrumental in Myers Crossing LLC’s mission to ‘level the playing field’ for minorities and women in the construction and construction-related industries,” Myers said. “It helps those going through challenging times with the ability to gain the skills necessary to enter employment and ultimately remove them from other government subsidies to self-sufficiency.”
Programs supported by this round of grants will continue to address workforce shortages while building pipelines of skilled talent ready to take on projects in infrastructure, renewable energy, and housing. The NJBUILD initiative, which aligns with Governor Phil Murphy’s broader workforce development agenda, reflects the state’s long-term commitment to equity, inclusion, and opportunity in the construction trades.
Originally reported by ROI-NJ Staff(Trenton) in ROI - NJ.
