The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) Board has approved a grant of over $1.2 million to the International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 825 for the construction of a new training facility in Dayton. The funding comes from the Apprenticeship Training Centers Construction Grant Program and aims to expand apprentice intake, enhance skill development, and prepare workers for modern construction projects.
Tim Sullivan, Chief Executive Officer of NJEDA, stated, “Under Governor Phil Murphy’s leadership, New Jersey has invested in innovative apprenticeship and workforce development programs to prepare residents for high-quality job opportunities in the state’s key industries. 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.”
IUOE Local 825 is based in Springfield and represents more than 8,200 members across New Jersey and New York’s Hudson Valley. Its members operate heavy equipment such as cranes and bulldozers for regional construction projects. The new facility will replace existing trailer structures and provide additional office and classroom space. The grant will cover 70 percent of eligible costs; IUOE Local 825 will fund the remainder.
Greg Lalevee, Business Manager for IUOE Local 825, said, “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. 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.”
The grant program is supported by funds from the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL). In February 2024, an agreement between NJEDA and NJDOL allowed disbursement from this fund for workforce development programs. Since 2018, more than $100 million has been invested in registered apprenticeship programs in New Jersey.
Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo commented on the project: “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. 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.”
The NJEDA supports businesses through low-interest financing options and other investment tools as described on its official site. It also promotes diversity, inclusion, job creation, community enhancement on its website, international partnerships here, tax credits and incentives, as well as public sector economic initiatives outlined here. The authority influenced policy through measures like the Economic Recovery Act enacted during pandemic recovery efforts as noted here.
