NJ Department of Labor Announces $2.75 Million Grant Opportunity to Oversee Successful Talent Network Program

On Nov 15, 2017

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) has announced a Notice of Grant Opportunity in the amount of $2.75 million available to post-secondary educational institutions, nonprofit organizations, and industry associations to oversee nine Talent Networks — ensuring that current and future New Jersey workers are equipped with the skills employers identify as critical to the success of the state’s key industries.

Since 2011, Talent Networks have significantly contributed to New Jersey’s economic growth by working directly with employers to develop partnerships and leverage opportunities to cultivate a pipeline of talent aligning with the needs of the targeted industries the Talent Networks represent. As a result, the Talent Networks also promote the state’s highly skilled workforce through educational, occupational and job training by creating apprenticeships and other career pathways within specific industry sectors identified in this grant opportunity.

Using a combination of intelligence from New Jersey businesses, local workforce development boards and detailed labor market information, the efforts of the Talent Networks will cultivate industry collaboratives which expand industry engagement. The focus of the Talent Networks has notably transformed from 2011 when the initiative was established to its current footprint which supports the state’s seven Talent Development Centers by building Targeted Industry Partnerships (TIPS).

Talent Network                                                             Grant Amount (for one year)

Advanced Manufacturing                                           $275,000

Construction/Utilities                                                 $300,000

Financial Services                                                        $275,000

Food Industry                                                               $275,000

Health Care                                                                   $275,000

Life Sciences                                                                  $275,000

Retail, Hospitality and Tourism (North)                 $275,000

Retail, Hospitality and Tourism (South)                 $275,000

Transportation, Logistics & Distribution                $275,000

*TN Technology Consultants                                     $250,000

The grant period of performance spans January 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, contingent on the availability of state and federal funds and the performance of each grantee. The performance of each Talent Network will be formally assessed in December 2018. Talent Networks may be renewed up to an additional two years, contingent on the successful performance of the program/grantees and on the availability of funds.

Related Articles: