NJ Department of Labor Celebrates Milestone as Career Connections Partner Network Grows to More Than 250 Organizations

On Dec 1, 2017

The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (LWD) hosted a celebration at Middlesex County College on Monday to mark the monumental addition of more than 250 New Jersey Career Connections partners since the comprehensive career service initiative launched in 2015, and the unveiling of a new, highly-interactive web resource for network members.

“What’s most powerful to me is that this diverse group of organizations took time to be here for one reason – to make connections that will help them serve their communities,” said New Jersey Career Connections Executive Director, Robert Grimmie. “It’s a network of government, private, and non-profit organizations who believe that building true partnerships will enable us to collectively help more people achieve economic prosperity than any of us could accomplish on our own.”

The New Jersey Department of Labor’s Career Connections network consists of more than 250 agencies including One-Stop Career Centers, public libraries, community colleges and universities, and community- and faith-based organizations. The network was created to offer comprehensive and consistent job search and career navigation services throughout the state.

“It’s imperative that all New Jerseyans plan for both the challenges and opportunities that stem from a rapidly changing job market,” said Aaron R. Fichtner, Ph.D., Labor Commissioner. “Our Career Connections network of partners will continue to play a vital role in addressing career needs in an increasingly complex future.”

Monday’s forum offered an opportunity for attendees to learn best practices taking place around the Garden State, as well as offer new organizations an opportunity to learn more about joining the partner network. Members also toured the new Career Connections Partners website – careerpartners.nj.gov – which allows users to connect with one another, share resources, and view event calendars.

New Jersey Career Connections is a part of the ‘65 by 25: Many Paths, One Future’ initiative, working to build a skilled, competitive workforce by helping New Jerseyans find pathways to careers. This collaborative effort of the Department of Labor and Workforce Development, the Department of Education, and the Office of the Secretary of Higher Education is focused on increasing the percentage of New Jersey adults who have earned an industry-valued post-secondary credential or degree from 50 percent to 65 percent by 2025.

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