Bill > A5213

This bill establishes the "New Economy Opportunity Skills System Pilot Program" to improve workforce development in New Jersey by creating stronger collaboration between local workforce development boards, community colleges, and county vocational school districts. The pilot program will be implemented in three local areas and focus on developing joint workforce training programs with industry-recognized credentials, creating collaborative marketing efforts, coordinating funding resources, and evaluating program performance using specific metrics. The State Employment and Training Commission will develop a strategy to expand the pilot program statewide, including guidelines for scaling, recommendations for legislative changes, and an implementation timeline. Community colleges and county vocational school districts will be designated as preferred providers of postsecondary education and workforce training, with a specific role in adult literacy programs and helping public assistance recipients find employment. The bill includes provisions for appropriating necessary funds, prioritizing federal funding first, and has a three-year implementation period. The goal is to create a more efficient workforce development system that can help New Jersey residents compete in the global economy and promote economic mobility by better aligning educational and training services with employer needs.

Budget and Finance, Education

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2024/A5213