The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development has announced $1.5 million in grant funding aimed at preparing women and minority residents for careers in the building and construction trades.
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The funding is available through the New Jersey Builders Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program, which supports training and career preparation for underrepresented groups seeking employment in the construction industry.
Officials say the initiative is designed to reduce economic barriers that often prevent individuals from accessing job training and entering the skilled trades workforce.
The Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program focuses on connecting participants with skills training, career preparation and employment opportunities across the building and construction sector.
By supporting workforce development initiatives, the program seeks to help more residents transition into registered apprenticeships or long-term careers in the construction trades.
“The NJBUILD initiative is more than just an investment in skills training – it’s an investment in New Jersey’s communities and future,” said Kevin D. Jarvis. “By empowering women and minority workers with the training needed to excel in the construction trades, we are laying the foundation for a workforce that reflects the rich diversity of our state and drives economic growth that benefits all New Jerseyans.”
The new round of funding represents the second allocation of NJBUILD grants in fiscal year 2026, aimed at expanding training opportunities and supporting job placement programs.
Grant funding will support organizations that provide training, career readiness services and employment support for women and minority participants entering the construction workforce.
Programs funded through the initiative also offer support services designed to improve job placement and long-term employment retention.
Since fiscal year 2019, the New Jersey Department of Labor has awarded more than $23 million in NJBUILD funding, supporting workforce programs that have trained over 2,400 women and minority residents for careers in construction and skilled trades.
Educational institutions and training providers have played a major role in delivering these programs.
“Through the NJBUILD grant from the New Jersey Department of Labor, Camden County College has expanded access to meaningful career pathways that lead directly to sustained employment in the skilled trades,” said Lovell Pugh-Bassett. “This investment has empowered our students with in-demand technical skills, industry-recognized training, and the confidence to enter the workforce immediately. It is a powerful example of how strategic collaboration between education and workforce partners can transform lives and strengthen communities.”
Officials say the grant funding will support training programs covering a range of construction-related occupations.
These include roles in clean energy construction, lead abatement, skilled craft trades, administrative positions and operational support roles within the building and construction industry.
Eligible applicants for the grant program include a wide range of organizations such as employers, trade associations, labor unions, workforce development boards, educational institutions, nonprofit organizations and government agencies operating in New Jersey.
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The program also encourages partnerships between workforce organizations, community groups and educational institutions to expand training access across the state.
Organizations interested in participating in the grant program must follow several key deadlines during the application process.
A virtual technical assistance workshop will be held on March 18 to provide guidance for potential applicants. Letters of intent are due by April 8, while full grant applications must be submitted by April 15.
Officials say the NJBUILD initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen the state’s construction workforce while ensuring that more residents have access to stable, well-paying careers in the skilled trades.
By expanding training programs and workforce partnerships, the initiative aims to help address labor shortages in construction while supporting inclusive economic growth across New Jersey.
Originally reported by New Jersey Business.
