NJEDA Board Approves Support for Salem County Offshore Wind Job Training Programs

Agreement with Salem County Vocational Technical School will help prepare local workers for offshore wind opportunities

Trenton, N.J. (April 14, 2022) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) received approval from its Board yesterday to enter an agreement with Salem County Vocational Technical School (SCVTS) that will support the expansion of the school’s offshore wind-related painting and welding programs. Under the agreement, the NJEDA will provide up to $200,000 to support the expansion of programs that will prepare students and workers for jobs in heavy steel offshore wind component manufacturing.

“NJEDA’s support of offshore wind programs at SCVTS is part of our efforts to ensure New Jersey’s pipeline of skilled workers keeps pace with growing demand from the high-growth offshore wind industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “This focus on offshore wind education supports Governor Phil Murphy’s vision for New Jersey as a global leader in the industry, and also advances his goal of a stronger and fairer economy by creating equitable educational and career opportunities.”

The NJEDA will help to fund equipment, materials, instructor time, and other expenses required to train secondary and post-secondary students for the specific skills required for large scale steel component manufacturing. This agreement complements an similar agreement between NJEDA and Gloucester County Institute of Technology (GCIT) announced in December 2021.

“Since the beginning of this process, the NJEDA has been committed to making sure that Salem County residents are given the opportunity for employment at the Wind Port facility.” Said Salem County Commissioner Director, Ben Laury. “The Board of Commissioners is pleased to see that commitment manifest in an investment for SCVTS and its students.”

“NJEDA’s commitment to funding these growing programs is an investment in the future of our local workforce,” said SCVTS Superintendent John Swain. “Training and reskilling workers will prepare them for high-quality offshore wind career opportunities that will sustain our families and communities well into the future.”

“This agreement will result in opportunities for high school students and adult learners to gain the specialized skills needed for jobs in the offshore wind large-scale steel component manufacturing sector,” said Jen Becker, Managing Director of Wind Institute Development. “We’re really excited to launch these programs in the coming months.”

This agreement utilizes funding from memorandum of understanding between NJEDA and the NJ Board of Public Utilities to support offshore wind training and research initiatives.

About the NJEDA

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) serves as the State’s principal agency for driving economic growth. The NJEDA is committed to making New Jersey a national model for inclusive and sustainable economic development by focusing on key strategies to help build strong and dynamic communities, create good jobs for New Jersey residents, and provide pathways to a stronger and fairer economy. Through partnerships with a diverse range of stakeholders, the NJEDA creates and implements initiatives to enhance the economic vitality and quality of life in the State and strengthen New Jersey’s long-term economic competitiveness.

To learn more about state resources available to New Jersey entrepreneurs and early-stage companies, visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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