The N.J. Department of Labor and Workforce Development has awarded $1.48 million in grant funding to four organizations working to expand access to construction careers for women and minority residents across the state.
The funding is the second round of fiscal year 2026 grants through the New Jersey Builders Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity’s Women and Minorities in Construction Trades program.
The grants fund pre-apprenticeship training, wraparound support services and job placement assistance aimed at reducing financial and systemic barriers to entering the building and construction trades. The program prepares participants for registered apprenticeships or direct placement into full-time construction jobs.
“New Jersey’s construction industry is strongest when it reflects the communities it serves,” Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin Jarvis said. “These grants represent our continued commitment to breaking down barriers and creating accessible pathways to high-quality careers in the trades.”
Jessica Richardson, NJDOL’s chief of NJBUILD and special initiatives, said the grants represent an investment in proven models.
“It’s about more than just training — it’s about setting people up for long-term success in construction careers,” she said.
Since fiscal year 2019, NJDOL has invested more than $24.5 million through the program to train more than 2,500 women and minority residents for construction careers.
Four organizations received funding in this round:
- East Orange School District ($375,000, to train 25 people in construction trades);
- Elizabeth Development Company ($430,748, to train 35 people in CDL/truck driving, electrical assistance, HVAC and plumbing);
- New Beginnings Behavioral Health ($300,000, to train 20 people in electrical, HVAC and weatherization work);
- Rutgers ($375,000, to train 25 people in carpentry and construction).
New Beginnings Behavioral Health recently hosted an orientation to introduce participants to skilled trades careers; the program had anticipated 15 attendees, but 77 people showed up.
“One of the most encouraging highlights was the significant number of women who participated, reflecting a growing interest in pursuing careers in a field where women have historically been underrepresented,” Amir Khan, CEO and founder of New Beginnings Behavioral Health, said.
“We are grateful to the New Jersey Department of Labor for its investment in workforce development and for helping us expand access to meaningful career opportunities.”
At Rutgers, the funding will support the Rutgers Employment Success Program, under the university’s Center for Advanced Infrastructure and Transportation, which will work with community organizations, labor unions, employers and industry experts to connect participants to construction careers.
“As experienced tradespeople retire, and demand for skilled workers continues to grow, we’re challenged not only to fill critical workforce needs, but to inspire a new generation to see the skilled trades as careers of purpose, stability, and long-term opportunity,” Todd Pisani, director of the Rutgers Employment Success Program, said.
“Expanding participation among women and minorities isn’t simply about broadening access — it’s about recognizing talent that has often been overlooked and ensuring our future workforce reflects the full strength of our communities.”
