The Training Center, a staple in New Jersey vocational education for over 40 years, has announced the mid-year success of TradeReady, an ambitious pilot program designed to tackle the state’s growing skilled labor shortage.
By integrating professional trade training directly into the high school schedule, the program allows students to trade traditional classroom lectures for hands-on experience in HVAC, Electrical and Plumbing during the school day.
Launched in early 2025, TradeReady currently serves students from Willingboro High School and Capital City High School in Trenton. Two days a week, these students are transported to The Training Center’s state-of-the-art facility in Wrightstown to prepare for high-demand careers before they even receive their high school diplomas.
“The career landscape has shifted, and the demand for skilled trade professionals is at an all-time high,” says Dan Moscatiello, Program Director at The Training Center. “We’re not just teaching a class; we’re fast-tracking students into high-paying, essential careers that are the backbone of our economy.”
The TradeReady curriculum is a 32-week, 96-hour intensive that goes far beyond traditional “shop” classes. A key feature of the program is the use of “fault-injected” simulated training boards. These advanced tools allow students to:
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Master troubleshooting: Diagnose complex mechanical and electrical failures in a controlled environment.
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Earn technical hours: Document hours that count toward professional licensing requirements.
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Prep for exams: Undergo targeted preparation for critical industry licensing exams, such as EPA certifications.
Beyond technical expertise, the program prioritizes “job-ready” soft skills, including safety discipline, professional communication, and reliability—traits local educators say are vital for student success.
As the inaugural cohort approaches its June 2026 graduation, the success of the pilot is already driving expansion. The Training Center is currently in discussions with several regional districts to adopt the TradeReady model for the 2026-2027 academic year.
To support this growth, a second TradeReady hub is scheduled to open in Branchburg in Summer 2026, extending vocational access to students across Northern and Central New Jersey.
