The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Office of Apprenticeship announced on March 9 the availability of $1.5 million in grant funding through the New Jersey Builder’s Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity (NJBUILD) Women and Minorities in Construction Trades program. The funding aims to support training for women and minority residents of New Jersey who are interested in careers within the building and construction industry.
The initiative is designed to remove economic barriers that often prevent women and minorities from accessing skills training and work readiness programs, connecting them with quality career opportunities in the construction trades. According to Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis, “The NJBUILD initiative is more than just an investment in skills training – it’s an investment in New Jersey’s communities and future.” Jarvis said, “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.”
This marks the second round of NJBUILD grant funding for fiscal year 2026 aimed at preparing women and minority participants for placement into Registered Apprenticeships or full-time employment within the construction sector. The program also provides support services intended to help ensure successful job placement as well as retention.
Since fiscal year 2019, more than $23 million has been awarded through NJBUILD grants to train over 2,400 women and minorities across New Jersey for roles in building and construction trades. Dr. Lovell Pugh-Bassett, president of Camden County College—an NJBUILD grantee—said, “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.” Pugh-Bassett added, “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.”
Eligible organizations may apply as lead applicants for this round of funding, which will be used to support training not only in traditional building occupations but also clean energy jobs, lead abatement roles, administrative positions, operational functions, professional titles, and skilled trades within construction.
A virtual technical assistance workshop will be held on March 18 at 10 a.m., with pre-registration required at least one business day prior. Letters of intent are due by noon on April 8; applications must be submitted by noon on April 15.
