TRENTON, N.J. (September 3, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today issued a Request for Information (RFI) seeking insight from qualified entities that provide registered apprenticeship programs and have perspectives on establishing new registered apprenticeship training locations in Overburdened Communities.

The information gathered through the RFI will help the NJEDA and the New Jersey Department of Labor better understand the scope and characteristics of a potential grant program that would support the planning and implementation of new or expanded training facilities and fund costs for the planning, construction, or renovations. The deadline to submit questions will be 5:00 p.m. on September 9, 2024, and the deadline for responses will be 5:00 p.m. on September 24, 2024. The RFI can be found here: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA.    

WHAT:           The NJEDA is seeking information on the needs, challenges, opportunities, and best practices to build or expand physical locations in Overburdened Communities for apprenticeship training facilities, as well as associated costs for planning and construction. The responses will help the Authority better understand the registered apprenticeship landscape, especially in regard to physical locations of training facilities. The potential creation of a grant program would help reduce barriers to training and employment and help New Jersey employers retain qualified workers.

WHO:            The RFI seeks responses from qualified entities that provide or have experience with U.S. Department of Labor Registered Apprenticeship programs with perspectives on establishing new apprenticeship training locations in Overburdened Communities.

WHEN:            All questions must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 9, 2024, via email to WorkforceInnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should read: “Questions-2024-[RFI-229]”. Answers to questions submitted will be publicly posted on the NJEDA’s website at: Bidding Opportunities – NJEDA as Addendum.

All RFI responses must be submitted in writing no later than 5:00 p.m. on September 24, 2024, via e-mail to WorkforceInnovation@njeda.gov. The subject line of the e-mail should state: “RFI Response-2024 [RFI-229]”.

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (August 5, 2024) – Applications for the New Jersey Economic Development Authority’s (NJEDA) Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge will open on Thursday, August 8. The $7 million grant program will prepare New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and serving overburdened communities.

WHAT:             The Grant Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity, for which applicants will be asked to submit proposals that outline their plans to develop and implement workforce training and skills programs focused on strengthening and diversifying the state’s green economy. Grants from $250,000 up to $1.5 million are available. Awardees may use funds to cover design, planning, capital, and implementation costs to offer training programs in green economy industries.

WHO:              Entities that can provide skill development, workforce training, job placement, and other related services are eligible to apply.

WHEN:           Applications for the program will open Thursday, August 8, 2024, and close October 8, 2024.

                        An informational webinar will be held on Monday, August 12, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. To register, click here.

For more information on the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, click here.

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (June 04, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA), along with the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities, and the New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development, will be hosting a series of open house events designed to educate and engage the public about the state’s offshore wind initiatives. Throughout June, the NJEDA will host three meet and greet events in North, Central, and South Jersey to inform residents on the key aspects of offshore wind energy and its importance to New Jersey’s clean energy future.

These informative sessions will give the public and key stakeholders access to factual information that matters most to the community, such as workforce development programs, environmental monitoring, details on port infrastructure, transmission projects, and lease areas, offering insights into the projects being developed and the benefits they bring to the state. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet with representatives from state agencies and offshore wind developers, ask questions, and gain a comprehensive understanding of what is happening with offshore wind in New Jersey.

Attending developers will include Leading Light Wind, Attentive Energy 2, Atlantic Shores, Jersey Central Power & Light, and Mid-Atlantic Offshore Development.

“These open houses are a tremendous opportunity for New Jersey residents to learn about the exciting advancements in offshore wind energy and how they will contribute to our state’s sustainable future,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of NJEDA. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey is leading the way in offshore wind development, and we are committed to ensuring everyone has access to the information they need to be part of this transformative journey to a clean energy future.”

Open houses will take place:

      Central Jersey Region

o  Date: Wednesday, June 5, 2024

o  Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. EDT.

o  Location: Mercer County Community College, 1200 Old Trenton Road, West Windsor

·      North Jersey Region

o  Date: Wednesday, June 12, 2024

o  Time: 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. EDT.

o  Location: New Jersey Institute of Technology, 355 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Newark

·      South Jersey Region

o  Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2024

o  Time: 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. EDT.

o  Location: Atlantic Cape Community College, 1535 Bacharach Blvd., Atlantic City

These events are open to the public and free of charge. Click here for more information.

To learn more about NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Atlantic City, N.J. (May 23, 2024) – Yesterday, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) hosted a Maritime Roundtable forum to convene leading figures from the maritime service industry and maritime-related businesses to address pressing opportunities and challenges in offshore wind. Held in Atlantic City on National Maritime Day, discussions focused on the development of training programs for qualified mariners, maritime career pathways including the importance of considering veterans for positions, and the necessity of building networks and dialogue among various stakeholders.

Participants from the local maritime sector, businesses with offshore wind expertise, training providers and other key stakeholders came together to discuss collaborative opportunities, innovative approaches and lessons learned from the first offshore wind projects on the East Coast. Featured speakers included Stephen Lyman of the Maritime Association of the Port of New York New Jersey, Julie Shebroe of NorthStar Marine, Sloane Perras of FOSS Offshore Wind, John Berry of Crowley Maritime Corporation, and Peter Knorr from the New Jersey Wind Port.

Lyman, who delivered a keynote address at the event, commented on the opportunity ahead.

“The rapidly growing offshore wind industry will play a huge role in the region’s transition to clean energy and carbon neutrality, while doing so will create thousands of jobs,” Lyman said. “This transition will require partnerships between the commercial maritime sector and the energy sector.”

Industry leaders at the event shared their experiences and strategies for recruiting and training personnel. The forum provided a platform to explore solutions aimed at strengthening existing career paths, thereby supporting the growth of the maritime workforce in New Jersey. Specific topics covered during the event included:

  • Required services e.g., survey, research, bunkering, fuel, engineering, procurement, and construction, etc;
  • Gaps and challenges in growing the workforce and enhancing existing services;  
  • Training, upskilling, apprenticeships, and career pathways; and
  • Innovative workforce and business solutions.

“New Jersey is home to one of the most highly skilled and educated workforces in the nation,” said Tim Sullivan, CEO of the NJEDA. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, we are committed to ensuring New Jerseyans are poised for careers in emerging sectors. We are excited to partner with community colleges, labor unions, and other workforce development organizations to meet the needs of the offshore wind sector, as well as others in maritime services.”

As the offshore wind industry continues to evolve, the Maritime Roundtable event builds a foundation for fostering future collaboration, innovation and creating necessary pathways to ensure a robust maritime workforce equipped to meet the demands of the sector.

“The Wind Institute for Innovation and Training is committed to developing workforce programs to help our maritime industry thrive alongside the growth in offshore wind,” said Jen Becker, Executive Vice President, Clean Energy and Workforce Innovation Partnerships at the NJEDA. “Bringing industry, academic, and other stakeholders together for this roundtable is an important part of those efforts.”

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn

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The grant challenge supports the State’s goals to prepare New Jersey residents for jobs in the green economy

TRENTON, N.J. (April 11, 2024) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved the creation of the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge. The $7 million grant program will prepare New Jersey residents for green economy careers, with a particular focus on advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion and serving overburdened communities.

“Governor Phil Murphy is committed to investing in our clean energy future, and through programs like the Green Workforce Training Grant, the NJEDA is spearheading initiatives that increase access to skills and training, putting New Jerseyans at the forefront of green economy careers,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Through this important workforce development program, New Jersey is investing in our clean energy future by expanding opportunities and ensuring equitable access to good-paying jobs for all residents, especially those in overburdened communities.”

The Grant Challenge is a competitive funding opportunity, where applicants will be asked to submit proposals that outline their plans to develop and implement workforce supports to bolster the green economy, with a focus on New Jersey’s overburdened communities. Grants from $250,000 up to $1.5 million are available. Awardees may use funds to cover design, planning, capital, and implementation costs to offer training programs in green economy industries.

“The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge is a unique chance for entities across the State of New Jersey, as it provides funds for them to train residents for jobs in the green economy, while ensuring a diverse workforce,” said Executive Director of the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy and Council on the Green Economy Eric Miller. “This Grant Challenge will provide long-lasting solutions that will protect our environment while creating opportunities for our state’s workforce.”

The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge was created by the NJEDA, in collaboration with the Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy and the Wind Institute for Innovation and Training. The program is funded with $4.35 million through the Council on the Green Economy and $2.65 million from the Wind Institute.

“We are experiencing a clean-energy renaissance, and New Jersey is positioning its residents to succeed in this emerging industry,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “This Grant Challenge will build our talent pipeline for the growing offshore wind and green economy sectors and will help to ensure equitable access to the industry for diverse workers and overburdened communities.”

The Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge builds upon the Green Jobs Council’s NJ Building our Resilient, Inclusive, and Diverse Green Economy (BRIDGE) Initiative. Last year, a total of $5 million in grants were awarded through the BRIDGE Initiative to support organizations working to create a diverse and inclusive workforce to support the state’s clean energy goals.

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, community-based organizations, workforce training organizations, labor unions, technical high schools, county colleges, non-profits, regional workforce development boards, and private-sector companies. Applicants must include at least one Community-Based Organization (CBO) that serves one or more New Jersey overburdened community as part of their application.

Applicants’ proposals must include their plans to implement workforce programs, connect participants with job opportunities in the green economy, develop outreach that targets and supports a diverse and inclusive pool of participants, including those from overburdened communities, and define program evaluation and success metrics.

More information about the Green Workforce Training Grant Challenge, including eligibility requirements and a formal application, will be available on www.njeda.gov by mid-2024.

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Agreement will enable the Authority to provide nearly $400K to NJIT’s POWERCERTS Program

TRENTON, N.J. (September 12, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board today approved a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT) to provide $399,000 in funding to the Professional Offshore Wind Energy Certificates (POWERCERTS) Program. The funding approved in the MOU will establish two graduate certificates in Wind Power System Operation and Maintenance and Wind Power Economics and Management, bolstering offshore wind workforce training opportunities for college students.   

“As offshore wind developments advance along the East Coast, we must guarantee that our workforce is equipped to meet the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Today’s MOU with NJIT reflects the NJEDA’s commitment to providing high-quality workforce development programs in offshore wind that ensure opportunities for minority and underserved communities. This partnership helps move us closer to Governor Phil Murphy’s goal of creating 11 GW of offshore wind by 2040.”

NJIT’s POWERCERTS Program will address demands for offshore wind training in New Jersey, collaborating closely with the wind industry and the College’s science and engineering departments to offer a robust curriculum. The two graduate certificates established as part of the program will consist of 12 credits, including three core classes and one elective class. Using funding from today’s MOU, POWERCERTS will offer 24 $3,000 scholarships and 24 $4,000 assistantships primarily for students from minority and underrepresented communities to encourage and support their participation in offshore wind workforce training.   

“We are very excited to be working with the NJEDA to establish the NJIT POWERCERTS graduate-certificates program, which will prepare workers to excel in the rapidly growing offshore wind clean energy sector,” said NJIT President Teik C. Lim. “NJIT makes innovations happen, including in the area of environmental sustainability, and this effort will bolster New Jersey’s strength in the clean energy economy.”

To support offshore wind in New Jersey, the NJEDA is developing the Wind Institute for Innovation and Training to accelerate the development of a robust and diverse offshore wind workforce and champion research and innovation to unlock market potential. Today’s MOU is part of a comprehensive strategy to develop several training programs to bolster New Jersey’s offshore wind workforce for thousands of good-paying offshore wind employment opportunities.

“Effective workforce training programs are necessary to prepare future job seekers with the skills they need to thrive in the offshore wind sector,” said NJEDA’s Vice President for Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “NJIT’s POWERCERTS program will prepare graduates for good-paying job opportunities in offshore wind engineering and management, helping keep the state at the forefront of offshore wind energy development.”

The funding provided in today’s MOU is allocated from the NJEDA’s previous MOU with the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities (NJBPU). Approved in October 2022, the $10 million MOU dedicates funds to support the continued development and execution of offshore wind workforce, education, research, and innovation programs.

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Center Will Help Accelerate Innovation, Research and Development, and Entrepreneurship in NJ’s Offshore Wind Industry

TRENTON, N.J. (June 23, 2023) – Today, June 23, 2023, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) will issue a Request For Expressions of Interest (RFEI) to identify specific partners, sites, and financial commitments that can contribute to the development of a Wind Innovation Center in New Jersey.

WHAT:            The Wind Innovation Center will help accelerate innovation, research and development, and entrepreneurship in the state’s offshore wind industry. The Center will provide offices, labs, and test sites for its users to conduct research on climate-smart modeling for high performance wind farms; technological solutions for environmental impact assessments; offshore wind transmission and grid integration; and offshore wind component design and production. The RFEI will help NJEDA identify interested parties for the development of the Wind Innovation Center.

WHERE:         The RFEI can be found here.

WHEN:           Responses to the RFEI are due by September 13, 2023 via email to windinstitute@njeda.gov. Questions may be submitted via email no later than August 22, 2023 to windinstitute@njeda.gov.

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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TRENTON, N.J. (June 21, 2023) – In May, the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board approved five grant applications totaling more than $3.7 million under the Authority’s Offshore Wind Workforce and Skills Development Grant Challenge (Grant Challenge). With this funding, recipients will launch innovative training programs focused on strengthening and diversifying the state’s offshore wind workforce, with a particular emphasis on serving Overburdened Communities.

The Grant Challenge is part of NJEDA’s Wind Institute for Innovation and Training’s (the “Wind Institute”) efforts to coordinate and deploy resources to advance offshore wind workforce development, research, and innovation in the state.

“As offshore wind grows in New Jersey, we must have a well-trained and qualified workforce that meets the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, the NJEDA is committed to ensuring high-quality workforce development training programs are available so that all New Jerseyans, especially those living in minority and low-income communities, have equitable access to this emerging industry. This is another step towards achieving 11GW of offshore wind by 2040 while creating a better future for the next generation.”

The grant recipients will use the funding to provide skill development, workforce training, job placement, and other related services to develop, implement, or expand workforce development initiatives in offshore wind. All programs are either led by or partner with a community-based organization serving a New Jersey overburdened community.  The provision of wraparound services including transportation, career coaching, and other supports is a core component of the awarded programs to expand access and address barriers to entry. The funded training will support the needs identified in an offshore wind workforce assessment, which projected that the offshore wind industry will result in 20,000 new jobs in 2030 across numerous sectors in the state, including construction, manufacturing, and professional services.

The following organizations were approved for grants:

“We look forward to working closely with the grantees to ensure a diverse pool of workers with the skills, competencies and credentials needed to thrive in this growing industry sector. Wind energy is our future. With these grants, we are helping ensure equal opportunities for these sustainable careers are available to all workers in our state,” said New Jersey Department of Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo.

“New Jersey’s burgeoning offshore wind industry will not only provide New Jerseyans with new, clean energy to help improve the air we breathe and mitigate the impacts of climate change, but will provide a significant boost to the state’s economy by creating thousands of jobs,” said Joseph L. Fiordaliso, President, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “The latest EDA grant awards provide an important step forward for training and skill development so the jobs that are being created in a growing industry can be filled by New Jerseyans.”

“The organizations that were awarded grants clearly demonstrated their ability to develop and implement an effective workforce training program, with an emphasis on serving New Jersey’s overburdened communities,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “These training programs will provide a pathway to high-skilled, good-paying job opportunities and position individuals for long-term career success.”

Governor Murphy’s economic development plan, “The State of Innovation: Building a Stronger and Fairer NJ Economy,” identifies offshore wind as one of the strategic sectors for accelerating growth in New Jersey’s economy. Offshore wind represents a unique opportunity to meet the State’s clean energy goal of reaching 100 percent clean energy usage by 2035. Funding for the Grant Challenge is allocated under the Offshore Wind Sector Initiatives Memorandum of Understanding between the NJEDA and the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities that was executed in 2021 to support offshore wind workforce development.

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.com and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Agreements with Camden County College and Camden County Technical Schools will Further Support Offshore Wind Talent Pipeline

TRENTON, N.J. (April 21, 2023) – The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) has announced two agreements to establish sub-arc welding programs at Camden County College (CCC) and Camden County Technical Schools (CCTS). Over $300,000 in funding will be distributed to the two schools to train workers for careers in heavy steel offshore wind component manufacturing.

Sub-arc welding is a welding specialty utilized in large-scale component manufacturing, including for the fabrication of monopiles, which are used as the foundation of offshore wind turbines. As identified in “New Jersey’s Offshore Wind Workforce Assessment Through 2035,” welders are considered to be one of the greatest in-demand occupations for New Jersey’s growing offshore wind industry. By creating training programs with local institutions, New Jersey will continue to provide industry-leading, good-paying jobs, while growing a diverse and well-trained workforce across the emerging offshore wind sector.  

“The agreements with CCC and CCTS add to the momentum underway towards meeting New Jersey’s clean energy goals through strategic investments in offshore wind,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “Governor Phil Murphy has prioritized building a pipeline of talent for the offshore wind sector in an inclusive, equitable manner that creates opportunities for all New Jerseyans. The State’s highly respected community colleges and technical schools are key partners in providing access to essential training to ensure applicants have the proper skills for the wind industry’s growing opportunities.”

These agreements build on the efforts of the New Jersey Wind Institute for Innovation and Training, which continues to create opportunities through offshore wind workforce development programs. Through the sub-arc welding agreements, students will be equipped to fill positions at manufacturing companies such as EEW Offshore Structures at the Port of Paulsboro. Similar training agreements exist with Gloucester County Institute of Technology and Salem County Vocational Technical Schools.

“We are excited to expand the reach of our offshore wind training programs to Camden County and provide students at these two institutions an opportunity to acquire well-paying positions in the offshore wind industry,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “These welding training opportunities add to our investment in offshore wind training and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring available local talent for the future of offshore wind. as we work towards Governor Murphy’s vision for a stronger, fairer New Jersey.”

CCC will integrate sub-arc welding into its evening welding program for adults and establish a new sub-arc training program for individuals with prior welding experience. Five scholarships will also be made available for CCC students. NJEDA funding will also support marketing and promoting these programs to attract a diverse array of participants. 

“We are enthusiastic to work with the NJEDA, industry stakeholders, and all the partners in this endeavor to fill the talent pipeline,” said Camden County College President Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett. “This partnership advances our mission to provide technical and career training for the residents of South Jersey. We are excited to offer this new curriculum that leads to jobs in sub-arc welding.”

The funding will help CCTS, a four-year vocational-technical public school, integrate sub-arc welding into its current training programs and establish an afterschool program to train senior level high school students in Camden County with introductory and sub-arc welding, and other related, skills. Five scholarships will be made available for afterschool students. Relatedly, but through a separate funding source, the school is adding a $2.8 million welding center to its Pennsauken campus, which will expand the number of welding students CCTS can serve. 

“We are proud to partner with the NJEDA and the Wind Institute on these training programs,” said CCTS Superintendent Frederick Cappello. “We have a unique window to get involved with the development of New Jersey’s offshore wind industry by training workers from our Pennsauken and Sicklerville campuses. We look forward to helping our students acquire these in-demand, high-paying positions.”

“Expanding training and education opportunities for New Jersey residents is critical as our State works towards closing gaps in the talent pipeline and strengthening the state’s innovation ecosystem,” said Dr. Brian K. Bridges, NJ Secretary of Higher Education. “This agreement is a shining example of how academic and industry partners across New Jersey are coming together to create opportunities as a means of addressing the problems of tomorrow.”

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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Expanded program will prepare NJ students for career opportunities in offshore wind

TRENTON, N.J. (February 8, 2023) – The Board of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) today approved expanding a program that will offer students at select New Jersey public and private universities paid research fellowships to prepare them for careers in the offshore wind industry. Opportunities will be available for undergraduate and graduate students.

In its first year, which began in October 2022, the Wind Institute Fellowship Program is supporting 26 student researchers across Montclair State University, New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), Rowan University, and Rutgers, the State University of New Jersey. The expanded program will enable students that attend these four schools plus Stockton University and selected NJ private, research universities to apply to their home institution for the Wind Institute Fellowship and receive up to $30,000 in academic years 2023-24 and 2024-25 for offshore wind research.

“As the offshore wind industry builds momentum in New Jersey, it’s essential that we foster the growth of our pipeline of qualified, talented individuals equipped with relevant skills. This will not only prepare students for exciting career opportunities, but will help our workforce keep pace with the needs of the industry,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan. “An investment in today’s students is an investment in tomorrow’s economy and this fellowship program will ultimately help to position New Jersey as a global leader in offshore wind, while creating jobs and bringing us closer to achieving Governor Phil Murphy’s clean energy goals.”

The fellowships will take place through the fall, spring, and summer semesters and run between 25 and 40 weeks depending on each school’s calendar. Juniors and seniors are eligible for $15,000 undergraduate awards, while graduate and doctoral students can apply for $30,000 awards. All accepted fellows will also receive $1,000 for related expenses, such as travel to conferences and materials. Each participating school can receive up to four fellowships, with at least one undergraduate and graduate representative. Rutgers can earn 12 fellowships, including at least three undergraduate and three graduate fellows.

“Wind energy is a major component of the Murphy administration’s plan for a 100 percent clean energy economy and is expected to drive billions in economic benefits,” said Jane Cohen, Executive Director, Governor’s Office of Climate Action and the Green Economy.  “By investing in those students who come to or stay in New Jersey for higher education, we can create accessible pathways for thousands of local jobs to be filled by hard-working New Jerseyans and shape a sustainable tomorrow.”

The NJEDA will provide participating schools with funding for administration and other related expenses, while faculty advisors will receive $1,000 honorarium for their involvement. Fellows will be able to attend a series of cohort meetings hosted by the NJEDA during the academic year to support peer learning and to gain a comprehensive understanding of the offshore wind industry.

“New Jersey’s renowned higher education institutions are ideal for cultivating a workforce poised to support the state’s rapidly advancing offshore wind sector,” said NJEDA Vice President of Offshore Wind Jen Becker. “This fellowship program will create opportunities for students while helping us develop a robust, diverse, and local workforce for the offshore wind industry.”

Participating universities will run their application processes in the spring. Accepted fellows will begin in the summer or fall semesters.

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 NJEDA resources for businesses, call NJEDA Customer Care at 844-965-1125 or visit https://www.njeda.gov and follow @NewJerseyEDA on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

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