The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved a grant of over $1.2 million for the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825 to build a new training facility in Dayton. The funding comes from the Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program and aims to help IUOE Local 825 expand its apprentice intake and skill development programs.
“With new construction and development occurring across the Garden State, the expansion of Local 825’s training facilities will ensure New Jerseyans have the skills necessary to capitalize on these new economic opportunities,” said NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan.
IUOE Local 825 is based in Springfield and represents more than 8,200 members throughout New Jersey and New York’s Hudson Valley. Its members operate heavy equipment such as cranes, bulldozers, front-end loaders, backhoes, and graders for various construction projects. The union plans to enhance training in modern technologies and processes as part of its ongoing commitment to workforce development.
The planned facility will replace current trailer structures at the site and address insufficient office and classroom space. The grant will cover about 70 percent of eligible project costs; IUOE Local 825 will fund the remaining portion.
“Thank you to Governor Phil Murphy, NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan, and the NJEDA Board for recognizing the technology-driven evolution of operating engineering and the strong demand reflected in Local 825’s annual apprentice applications,” said IUOE Local 825 Business Manager Greg Lalevee. “Their commitment to training New Jerseyans will enable us to expand our facilities in line with these realities and deliver cutting edge instruction to more apprentices.”
Support for this grant program comes from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development’s Workforce Development Partnership Fund. In early 2024, an agreement between NJEDA and NJDOL allowed funds from this partnership to be used for workforce development programs. Since 2018, state investment in registered apprenticeship programs has exceeded $100 million, resulting in significant growth in earn-while-you-learn opportunities.
“We are incredibly proud to see workforce development funds fueling opportunities that expand New Jersey’s record-setting achievements in apprenticeship over the past eight years,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “The construction of this new training center is a powerful example of how strategic investment in our workers strengthens our economy, opens doors to good careers, and helps our state continue to lead the nation.”
