Workforce Collaboration

By Althea D. Ford, Vice President, Government Affairs, NJBIA On Feb 18, 2025

All industries must give significant attention to workforce development. With the rise of artificial intelligence, industry has had to allay worker concerns that their jobs will be replaced, while having to come to terms that technology can assist the existing workforce to operate more efficiently and effectively. Advances in the way we work require our current workforce to upskill in order to engage effectively and provide opportunity for previously disenfranchised individuals to secure and retain employment.

Here’s a snapshot of how NJBIA has been working collaboratively with industry, education and nonprofit partners to advance workforce development in our state. 

Skills Development 

NJBIA continues to invest and collaborate to prioritize the development of industry recognized skills that can lead to careers in in-demand fields. Through the NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities Program, the business community remains an active voice communicating the credentials and skills that are needed by individuals to ensure employability in a variety of innovative sectors. 

Additionally, the New Jersey Workplace Literacy and Basic Skills Training Program remains a resource for employers to obtain training in ESL, communication and computer skills. 

Talent Management 

With the passage of the Manufacturing in Higher Education Act, championed by NJBIA, collaboration among stakeholders within the manufacturing industry has been reignited as we witnessed the adverse impact of offshore manufacturing during the COVID-19 pandemic. The New Jersey Manufacturing Skills Initiative, a partnership with the NJ Manufacturing Extension Program, community colleges and NJ Department of Labor, enables manufacturers to communicate their employment needs. They can connect with their local community college and engage with prospective hires. 

Untapped Workforce Populations NJBIA has also identified and amplified resources to assist employers with meaningfully and successfully employing members of the neurodivergent and disabled communities. Collaborations and programming with organizations such as Project Hire, Spectrum Works, and ACCSES NJ demonstrate our commitment to educate employers about the existence of these groups, which help demystify what it means to engage this community in gainful employment, while providing invaluable human resource support.

Maximizing Workforce Development Opportunities 

• Become an Employee Partner with NJ Pathways to Career Opportunities Program Take advantage of the NJ Workplace
• Literacy and Basic Skills Training Program
  
• Manufacturers: Tell us your workforce needs and participate in the Manufacturing Skills Initiative
  
• Join the NJBIA Education and Workforce Development Policy Committee
  

To access more business news, visit NJB News Now.

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