DOL Announces Women and Minorities in Construction Grant

On Feb 5, 2024

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (DOL) announced $4 million in available funding through the New Jersey Builders Utilization Initiative for Labor Diversity program (NJBUILD) to increase access to construction trades careers for women and minority groups.

Enabling legislation, enacted in 2009, was designed to provide training opportunities for women and minorities in the construction and construction-related trades so they can realize equal employment opportunities in public contracting.

“Women and minority groups have for too long faced significant barriers to entry and advancement in the construction industry,” said Labor Commissioner Robert Asaro-Angelo. “Through NJBUILD, we’re helping industry employers take positive steps to enhance diversity and inclusion in their workforces and offer a rewarding career pathway to a new population of workers.”

This targeted, competitive grant provides funding for eligible organizations to provide construction trades training, placement services, and support to women and minority populations.

The following types of organizations are eligible to apply as lead applicants:

• Employers based in New Jersey or with a New Jersey presence
• Workforce intermediary sponsors
• Employer/Trade associations
• Labor organizations representing workers in the occupation in which participants will be trained
• Labor/Management Partnerships (public or private)
• New Jersey Local Education Agencies (LEA)

  Public high schools or vocational schools within New Jersey

• Two- and four-year institutions of higher education
• Public or private non-profit organizations
• Business or trade organizations representing a particular trade, group of trades, contractors, or employers
• Community-based organizations
• New Jersey local Workforce Development Boards
• Economic development organizations
• State, local, and county governments within New Jersey
• Any other private educational or training entity that is on the Eligible Training Provider List (ETPL)

Applicants are required to show they are able to provide quality support services to ensure successful employment placement for participants.

Key dates:

• Tuesday, Feb. 6 or Wednesday, Feb. 28: Virtual technical assistance (TA) workshops
• March 8: Letter of Intent due by noon
• March 15: Application due by noon

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