Elizabeth Development Company Awarded $430K State Grant to Expand Workforce Training Opportunities

The Elizabeth Development Company (EDC) has been awarded $430,748 through the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development's (NJDOL) NJBUILD Women and Minorities in Construction Trades (WMIC) grant program. The funding is part of $1.48 million in state grants awarded to four organizations across New Jersey to increase access to careers in construction and related industries for women and minority residents.

The Elizabeth Development Company will use the grant to train 35 participants in high-demand career fields, including Commercial Driver's License (CDL) training, truck driving, electrical assistant, HVAC, and plumbing. According to the NJDOL, the WMIC grant program supports pre-apprenticeship training, wraparound supportive services, and job placement assistance to help remove financial and systemic barriers that have historically limited opportunities for women and minorities in the building and construction trades.

Acting Labor Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis stated, "New Jersey's construction industry is strongest when it reflects the communities it serves. These grants represent our continued commitment to breaking down barriers and creating accessible pathways to high-quality careers in the trades." Jessica Richardson, NJDOL's Chief of NJBUILD and Special Initiatives, added, "These grants represent an investment in proven models that work. It's about more than just training — it's about setting people up for long-term success in construction careers."

The NJBUILD initiative prepares participants for entry into Registered Apprenticeship programs or direct placement into full-time construction employment while providing supportive services designed to improve long-term success.

This article was produced with AI assistance and reviewed for accuracy against official sources.

Produced with AI assistance and reviewed against source records.